Device pairing via device to device contact

ABSTRACT

A system may include and/or involve a first device, a second device, and logic to effect pairing of the first and second devices upon detection of physical contact between the devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and/or claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other thanprovisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the PriorityApplication(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the“Related Application(s),” if any, listed below:

1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA DEVICE TO DEVICECONTACT, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 11/136,099 filed May 23, 2005, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA HUMAN INITIATEDCONTACT, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 11/137,859 filed May 24, 2005, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA VOICE COMMANDS,naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 11/150,858 filed Jun. 10, 2005, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

4. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA INTERMEDIARY DEVICE,naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 11/153,922 filed Jun. 14, 2005, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

5. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA INTERMEDIARY DEVICE,naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 12/927,609 filed Nov. 17, 2010, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

6. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled DEVICE PAIRING VIA DEVICE TO DEVICECONTACT, naming Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo Jr. as inventors, U.S.application Ser. No. 12/932,624 filed Feb. 28, 2011, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121 or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published anotice to the effect that the USPTO's computer program require thatpatent applications both reference a serial number and indicate whetheran application is a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional ofa parent application. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-FiledApplication, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The USPTO further hasprovided forms for the Application Data Sheet which allow automaticloading of bibliographic data but which require identification of eachapplication as a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of aparent application. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter“Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to theapplication(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in itsspecific reference language and does not require either a serial numberor any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands thatthe USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, andhence Applicant has provided designation(s) of a relationship betweenthe present application and its parent application(s) as set forth aboveand in any ADS filed in this application, but expressly points out thatsuch designation(s) are not to be construed in any way as any type ofcommentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present applicationcontains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parentapplication(s).

If the listing of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the Priority Applicationssection of the ADS and to each application that appears in the PriorityApplications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein byreference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the pairing of two devices for trustedcooperation.

BACKGROUND

Pairing involves establishing a secure and/or trusted wirelesscommunication channel between devices. Pairing is becoming more commonin a world increasingly populated by cooperating devices. However, themechanisms for pairing devices remain relatively primitive and do nottake advantage of the rich variety of ways in which people and devicesmay interact with and among one another.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the disclosed embodiments, but not to limit the scope of theclaims. Thereafter, a detailed description of illustrated embodiments ispresented, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to make anduse various embodiments.

-   -   i. A device may include and/or involve at least one contact        sensor, and logic to effect pairing with another device upon        activation of the contact sensor.    -   ii. The device may include and/or involve logic to detect        increasing proximity with the other device and to interpret        activation of the contact sensor, in conjunction with recently        detected increasing proximity with the other device, as an        indication that pairing with the other device should be        attempted.    -   iii. The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the        device to wirelessly exchange with the other device information        needed for pairing, upon approaching or becoming proximate with        the other device, but prior to activation of the contact sensor,        and logic to interpret activation of the contact sensor as an        indication that the information should be applied to complete        the pairing process.    -   iv. The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the        device to exchange with the other device information needed for        pairing via the physical contact point.    -   v. The device may include and/or involve logic to interpret        activation of the contact sensor as an indication to initiate        exchange with the other device of at least one of        authentication, authorization, or compatibility information        needed for pairing.    -   vi. The device may include and/or involve logic to interrupt the        pairing process if contact is broken.    -   vii. The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the        device to wirelessly exchange with the other device information        needed for pairing only during activation of the contact sensor.    -   viii. The device may include and/or involve logic to        authenticate and/or authorize pairing with the other device.    -   ix. The device may include and/or involve logic to establish a        secure channel for communication of pairing information.    -   x. The device may include and/or involve logic to ascertain a        manner in which contact between the devices is accomplished. The        logic to ascertain a manner in which contact between the two        devices is accomplished may include and/or involve logic to        ascertain relative motion between the device and the other        device. The logic to ascertain relative motion between the        device and the other device may include and/or involve logic to        ascertain at least one of rotation, angle of approach, or        relative lateral motion between the device and the other device.    -   xi. The device may include and/or involve logic to ascertain        relative motion between the device and the other device at the        point of contact. The logic to ascertain relative motion between        the device and the other device may include and/or involve logic        to ascertain at least one of rotation, angle of approach, or        relative lateral motion between the device and the other device,        and/or logic to ascertain at least one of rotation at the point        of contact, angle of contact, or relative lateral motion at the        point of contact.    -   xii. The device may include and/or involve logic to detect a        duration of contact and to interpret the duration of contact as        an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the device and        the other device should proceed.    -   xiii. The device may include and/or involve logic to detect        multiple instances of contact and to interpret the multiple        instances of contact as an indication of how and/or whether        pairing of the device and the other device should proceed.    -   xiv. The device may include and/or involve logic to detect an        intensity of contact and to interpret the intensity of contact        as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the device and        the other device should proceed. The logic to detect an        intensity of contact and to interpret the intensity of contact        as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the device and        the other device should proceed may include and/or involve logic        to detect at least one of an average contact force, a peak        contact force, or a force gradient.    -   xv. The device may include and/or involve logic to detect        temperature at the contact point or points, and/or conductivity        at the contact point or points, as an indication of how and/or        whether pairing of the device and the other device should        proceed.    -   xvi. The device may include and/or involve logic to communicate        wirelessly with at least one device different than the other        device to obtain information needed to effect pairing with the        other device. The at least one device different than the other        device may include and/or involve at least one proximate        desktop, laptop, or handheld computing device.    -   xvii. The device may include and/or involve logic to await user        input as a result of activation of the contact sensor. The logic        to await user input as a result of activation of the contact        sensor may include and/or involve logic to await authentication        information for the user, and/or logic to await at least one of        input from a keypad, voice input, or biometric input.    -   xviii. The device may include and/or involve logic to authorize        an extent of pairing of the device and the other device. The        logic to authorize an extent of pairing of the device and the        other device may include and/or involve logic to authorize        paired access to a greater number and/or different functions of        one or both devices than would be available if the devices were        paired without physical contact, and/or logic to authorize        paired access the extent of which varies according to the manner        and/or point of physical contact between the devices, and/or        logic to authorize that a person using one or both devices is        authorized to do so, and/or to what extent.    -   xix. The device may include and/or involve logic to provide one        or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the        progress and/or results of pairing of the device and the other        device. The logic to provide one or more audible and/or visual        and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results of        pairing of the device and other device may include and/or        involve at least one menu of pairing options, and/or logic to        provide an indication that a user should provide input to the        pairing process, and/or logic to provide at least one of one or        more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications,        and/or at least one of logic to provide an indication that        pairing was (a) successful, (b) unsuccessful due to insufficient        available information, (c) to indicate that pairing between the        devices is available, or (d) to indicate that pairing is in        process. The logic to provide an indication that a user should        provide input to the pairing process may include and/or involve        logic to provide an indication that the user should provide at        least one of a password, a spoken input, a biometric input, or        information from a card and/or memory device.    -   xx. A method may include and/or involve detecting physical        contact between devices, and effecting pairing between the        devices as a result of detecting the physical contact.    -   xxi. The method may include and/or involve detecting proximity        between the devices and interpreting physical contact, in        conjunction with recently detected increasing proximity between        the devices, as an indication that pairing of the devices should        be attempted.    -   xxii. The method may include and/or involve wirelessly        exchanging information needed for pairing between the devices,        upon the devices becoming proximate with one another, but prior        to contact between the devices, and interpreting contact between        the devices as an indication to complete pairing of the devices.    -   xxiii. The method may include and/or involve exchanging        information needed for pairing the devices via one or more        physical contact points.    -   xxiv. The method may include and/or involve contact between the        devices initiating exchange between the devices of at least one        of authentication, authorization, or compatibility information        needed for pairing.    -   xxv. The method may include and/or involve interrupting the        pairing process if the devices lose contact with one another.    -   xxvi. The method may include and/or involve the devices        wirelessly exchanging pairing information only during a time        when the devices are in physical contact.    -   xxvii. The method may include and/or involve ascertaining a        manner in which contact between the two devices is accomplished.        Ascertaining a manner in which contact between the two devices        is accomplished may include and/or involve ascertaining relative        motion between the devices. Ascertaining relative motion between        the devices may include and/or involve ascertaining at least one        of rotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motion        between the devices.    -   xxviii. The method may include and/or involve ascertaining        relative motion between the devices at one or more points of        contact. Ascertaining relative motion between the devices may        include and/or involve ascertaining at least one of rotation,        angle of approach, or relative lateral motion between the        devices, and/or ascertaining at least one of rotation, angle of        contact, or relative lateral motion at the one or more points of        contact.    -   xxix. The method may include and/or involve interpreting a        duration of contact as an indication of how and/or whether        pairing of the devices should proceed and/or be accomplished.    -   xxx. The method may include and/or involve interpreting multiple        instances of contact between the devices as an indication of how        and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed and/or be        accomplished.    -   xxxi. The method may include and/or involve interpreting an        intensity of contact between the devices as an indication of how        and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed and/or be        accomplished. Interpreting the intensity of contact between the        devices as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the        devices should proceed and/or be accomplished may include and/or        involve applying at least one of an average contact force, a        peak contact force, or a force gradient as the indication of how        and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed and/or be        accomplished.    -   xxxii. The method may include and/or involve the devices        communicating wirelessly to obtain information needed to effect        pairing with one another.    -   xxxiii. The method may include and/or involve prompting for user        input as a result of contact occurring between the devices.        Prompting for user input as a result of contact occurring        between the devices may include and/or involve prompting for        authentication information for the user, and/or providing an        indication that the user should provide at least one of input        from a keypad, voice input, or biometric input.    -   xxxiv. The method may include and/or involve authorizing an        extent of pairing of the devices according to at least one of        identification of one or both of the devices, or identification        of a user of one or both of the devices. Authorizing an extent        of pairing of the devices according to at least one of        identification of one or both of the devices, or identification        of a user of one or both of the devices may include and/or        involve authorizing access to a greater number and/or different        functions of one or both devices than would be available if the        devices were paired without physical contact, and/or authorizing        access to functions and/or features of one or both devices to an        extent that varies according to the manner and/or point of        physical contact between the devices, and/or authorizing that        the user may use one or both devices, and/or to what extent.    -   xxxv. The method may include and/or involve providing one or        more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the        progress and/or results of pairing of the devices.    -   xxxvi. A system may include and/or involve a first device, a        second device, and logic to effect pairing of the first and        second devices upon detection of physical contact between the        devices.    -   xxxvii. The system may include and/or involve logic to detect        increasing proximity between the first and second devices and to        interpret physical contact between the devices, in conjunction        with recently detected increasing proximity between the devices,        as an indication that pairing of the devices should be effected.    -   xxxviii. The system may include and/or involve logic to enable        the devices to wirelessly exchange information needed for        pairing, upon the devices approaching or becoming proximate with        one another, but prior to physical contact between the devices,        and logic to interpret activation of the contact sensor as an        indication that the information should be applied to complete        the pairing process.    -   xxxix. The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the        devices to exchange pairing information with one another via one        or more physical contact points.    -   xl. The system may include and/or involve logic to interpret        physical contact between the devices as an indication to        initiate exchange between the devices of at least some of        authentication, authorization, or compatibility information        needed for pairing.    -   xli. The system may include and/or involve logic to interrupt        the pairing process if contact between the devices is broken.    -   xlii. The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the        devices to wirelessly exchange information needed for pairing        only during physical contact between the devices.    -   xliii. The system may include and/or involve logic to        authenticate and/or authorize pairing between the devices.    -   xliv. The system may include and/or involve logic to establish a        secure channel for communication of pairing information between        the devices.    -   xlv. The system may include and/or involve logic to ascertain a        manner in which contact between the devices is accomplished. The        logic to ascertain a manner in which contact between the devices        is accomplished may include and/or involve logic to ascertain        relative motion between the devices. The logic to ascertain        relative motion between the devices may include and/or involve        logic to ascertain at least one of rotation, angle of approach,        or relative lateral motion between the devices.    -   xlvi. The system may include and/or involve logic to ascertain        relative motion between the devices at one or more points of        contact. The logic to ascertain relative motion between the        devices may include and/or involve logic to ascertain at least        one of rotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motion        between the devices, and/or logic to ascertain at least one of        rotation at the point of contact, angle of contact, or relative        lateral motion at the point of contact.    -   xlvii. The system may include and/or involve logic to detect a        duration of contact between the devices and to interpret the        duration of contact as an indication of how and/or whether        pairing of the devices should proceed.    -   xlviii. The system may include and/or involve logic to detect        multiple instances of contact between the devices and to        interpret the multiple instances of contact as an indication of        how and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed.    -   xlix. The system may include and/or involve logic to detect an        intensity of contact between the devices and to interpret the        intensity of contact as an indication of how and/or whether        pairing of the devices should proceed. The logic to detect an        intensity of contact between the devices and to interpret the        intensity of contact as an indication of how and/or whether        pairing of the devices should proceed may include and/or involve        logic to detect at least one of an average contact force, a peak        contact force, or a force gradient.    -   l. The system may include and/or involve logic to communicate        wirelessly with at least one device different than the devices        to pair, to obtain information needed to effect pairing between        the devices. The at least one device different than the devices        to pair may include and/or involve at least one proximate        desktop, laptop, or handheld computing device.    -   li. The system may include and/or involve logic to await user        input as a result of contact between the devices. The logic to        await user input as a result of contact between the devices may        include and/or involve logic to await authentication information        for the user, and/or logic to await at least one of input from a        keypad, a voice input, or a biometric input.    -   lii. The system may include and/or involve logic to authorize an        extent of pairing of the devices. The logic to authorize an        extent of pairing of the devices may include and/or involve        logic to authorize paired access to a greater number and/or        different functions of one or both devices than would be        available if the devices were paired without physical contact,        and/or logic to authorize paired access the extent of which        varies according to the manner and/or point or points of        physical contact between the devices, and/or logic to authorize        that a person using one or both devices is authorized to do so,        and/or to what extent.    -   liii. The system may include and/or involve logic to provide one        or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the        progress and/or results of pairing of the devices. The logic to        provide one or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile        indications on the progress and/or results of pairing of the        devices may include and/or involve logic to provide at least one        menu of pairing options, and/or logic to provide an indication        that a user should provide input to the pairing process, and/or        logic to provide at least one of one or more lights, tones,        vibrations, sounds, or display indications, and/or at least one        of logic to provide an indication that pairing was (a)        successful, (b) unsuccessful due to insufficient available        information, (c) to indicate that pairing between the devices is        available, or (d) to indicate that pairing is in process. The        logic to provide an indication that a user should provide input        to the pairing process may include and/or involve logic to        provide an indication that the user should provide at least one        of a password, a spoken input, a biometric input, or information        from a card and/or memory device.    -   liv. Other system/method/apparatus aspects are described in the        text (e.g. detailed description and claims) and drawings forming        the present application.

A device may include and/or involve at least one contact sensor, andlogic to cause the device to, upon activation of the contact sensor,wait for a signal from another device indicating that the other devicehas been touched, and upon receiving the signal, undertake pairing withthe other device. The logic to cause the device to, upon activation ofthe contact sensor, wait for a signal from another device indicatingthat the other device has been touched, and upon receiving the signal,undertake pairing with the other device may include and/or involve logicto cause the device, upon activation of the contact sensor, to wait fora limited amount of time for the signal indicating that the other devicehas been touched, and if such signal is not received within the limitedamount of time, to cause the device to stop waiting for the signal,and/or one or more one touch-sensitive areas, temperature-sensitiveareas, or conductivity-sensitive areas.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect increasingproximity with the other device and to interpret activation of thecontact sensor, in conjunction with recently detected increasingproximity with the other device, as an indication that preparation topair with the other device should be initiated.

The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the device towirelessly exchange with the other device information needed forpairing, upon approaching or becoming proximate with the other device,but prior to activation of the contact sensor, and logic to interpretactivation of the contact sensor as an indication that the informationshould be applied to complete the pairing process upon receiving thesignal indicating that the other device has been touched.

The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the device toexchange with the other device information needed for pairing viaphysical contact points of the device and the other device.

The device may include and/or involve logic to interpret activation ofthe contact sensor as an indication to initiate exchange with the otherdevice of at least some of authentication, authorization, orcompatibility information needed for pairing, and to interpret thesignal indicating that the other device has been touched as anindication that the authentication, authorization, or compatibilityinformation should be applied to complete pairing with the other device.

The device may include and/or involve logic to interrupt the pairingprocess if contact with the device or other device is broken.

The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the device towirelessly exchange with the other device information needed for pairingonly during activation of the contact sensor of the device, or onlyduring activation of the contact sensor of the device and afterreceiving the signal indicating that the other device has been touched.

The device may include and/or involve logic to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing with the other device.

The device may include and/or involve logic to establish a securechannel between the device and the other device for communication ofpairing information.

The device may include and/or involve logic to ascertain a manner inwhich contact with the device is accomplished. The logic to ascertain amanner in which contact with the device is accomplished may includeand/or involve logic to ascertain relative motion between the device anda finger that is contacting the device. The logic to ascertain relativemotion between the device and a finger that is contacting the device mayinclude and/or involve logic to ascertain at least one of rotation,angle of incidence, or relative lateral and/or circular motion betweenthe device and the finger.

The device may include and/or involve logic to ascertain relative motionbetween the device and the other device. The logic to ascertain relativemotion between the device and the other device may include and/orinvolve logic to ascertain at least one of rotation of one device withrespect to the other, angle between the devices, or relative lateralmotion of the devices.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect a duration ofcontact and to interpret the duration of contact as an indication of howand/or whether pairing of the device and the other device shouldproceed.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect multiple instancesof contact and to interpret the multiple instances of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the device and the otherdevice should proceed.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect an intensity ofcontact and to interpret the intensity of contact as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the device and the other device shouldproceed. The logic to detect an intensity of contact and to interpretthe intensity of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairingof the device and the other device should proceed may include and/orinvolve logic to detect at least one of an average contact force, a peakcontact force, or a force gradient.

The device may include and/or involve logic to communicate wirelesslywith at least one device different than the other device to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing with the other device. The at leastone device different than the other device may include and/or involve atleast one of a proximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computingdevice.

The device may include and/or involve logic to await and employ userinput as a result of activation of the contact sensor and signalindicating that the other device has been touched. The logic to awaitand employ user input as a result of activation of the contact sensorand signal indicating that the other device has been touched may includeand/or involve logic to await and employ authentication information forthe user, and/or logic to await and employ at least one of input from akeypad, voice input, or biometric input.

The device may include and/or involve logic to authorize an extent ofpairing of the device and the other device. The logic to authorize anextent of pairing of the device and the other device may include and/orinvolve logic to authorize paired access to a greater number and/ordifferent functions of one or both devices than would be available ifthe devices were paired without each device being touched, and/or logicto authorize paired access the extent of which varies according to themanner and/or point of physical contact with the device and/or the otherdevice, and/or logic to authorize that a person using one or bothdevices is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent, and/or logic todetermine an extent of pairing based at least in part upon which deviceis touched first. The logic to authorize paired access the extent ofwhich varies according to the manner and/or point of physical contactwith the device and/or the other device may include and/or involve logicto authorize paired access the extent of which varies according to anamount of area touched on one or both devices.

The device may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the device and other device. The logic to provideone or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on theprogress and/or results of pairing of the device and other device mayinclude and/or involve at least one menu of pairing options, and/orlogic to provide an indication that a user should provide input to thepairing process, and/or logic to provide a first indication when thefirst device is touched, and logic to provide a second indication whenthe second device is touched, and/or logic to provide at least one ofone or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications,and/or at least one of logic to provide an indication that the pairingwas successful, an indication that the pairing was unsuccessful due toinsufficient available information, an indication that the pairingbetween the devices is available, or an indication that the pairing isin process. The logic to provide an indication that a user shouldprovide input to the pairing process may include and/or involve logic toprovide an indication that the user should provide at least one of apassword, a spoken input, a biometric input, or information from a cardand/or memory device.

A method may include and/or involve detecting physical contact of aperson with a first device and/or with a second device, and effectingpairing between the first and second device as a result of detecting thephysical contact of the person with the first and/or the second devices.

The method may include and/or involve effecting pairing between devicesupon detection of simultaneous physical contact with both devices by theperson.

The method may include and/or involve detecting contact with the firstdevice, followed by contact with the second device, as an indicationthat pairing of the devices should be effected.

The method may include and/or involve wirelessly exchanging informationneeded for pairing between the devices, upon the devices becomingproximate with one another, but prior to contact with the devices, andinterpreting contact with the devices as an indication to completepairing of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve the devices exchanging informationneeded for pairing via points where the devices are touched.

The method may include and/or involve touching a first of the devicesinitiating exchange between the devices of at least some ofauthentication, authorization, or compatibility information needed forpairing.

The method may include and/or involve interrupting the pairing processif contact is lost with one or both of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve the devices wirelessly exchangingpairing information only during a time when contact is made with one orboth of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve ascertaining a manner in whichcontact with one or both devices is accomplished. Ascertaining a mannerin which contact with one or both devices is accomplished may includeand/or involve ascertaining the manner in which one or more fingerstouch one or both devices. Ascertaining the manner in which one or morefingers touch one or both devices may include and/or involveascertaining at least one of rotation, angle of approach, or relativelateral motion of one or more fingers at one or more points of contactwith one or more of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve ascertaining relative motionbetween the devices. Ascertaining relative motion between the devicesmay include and/or involve ascertaining at least one of rotation,relative angle, or relative lateral motion of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve interpreting a duration of contactwith one or both devices as an indication of how and/or whether pairingof the devices should proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include and/or involve interpreting multiple instances ofcontact with one or both devices as an indication of how and/or whetherpairing of the devices should proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include and/or involve interpreting the intensity ofcontact with one or both devices as an indication of how and/or whetherpairing of the devices should proceed and/or be accomplished.Interpreting the intensity of contact with one or both devices as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceedand/or be accomplished may include and/or involve interpreting at leastone of an average contact force, a peak contact force, or a forcegradient as the indication of how and/or whether pairing of the devicesshould proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include and/or involve the devices communicatingwirelessly to obtain information needed to effect pairing with oneanother.

The method may include and/or involve prompting for user input as aresult of contact occurring with one or both devices. Prompting for userinput as a result of contact occurring with one or both devices mayinclude and/or involve prompting for authentication information for theuser, and/or providing an indication that the user should provide atleast one of input from a keypad, voice input, or biometric input.

The method may include and/or involve authorizing an extent of pairingof the devices according to at least one of identification of one orboth of the devices, or identification of a user of one or both of thedevices. Authorizing an extent of pairing of the devices according to atleast one of identification of one or both of the devices, oridentification of a user of one or both of the devices may includeand/or involve authorizing access to a greater number and/or differentfunctions of one or both devices than would be available if the deviceswere paired without contact taking place to one or both devices, and/orauthorizing access to functions and/or features of one or both devicesto an extent of which varies according to the manner and/or point ofcontact with one or both devices, and/or authorizing that the user mayuse one or both devices, and/or to what extent.

The method may include and/or involve providing one or more audibleand/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or resultsof pairing of the devices.

A system may include and/or involve a first device, a second device, andlogic to effect pairing of the first and second devices upon activationof contact sensors of both the first and second devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect increasingproximity between the devices and to interpret activation of one or bothof the contact sensors, in conjunction with recently detected increasingproximity between the devices, as an indication that preparation to pairthe devices should be initiated.

The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the devices towirelessly exchange information needed for pairing, upon the devicesapproaching or becoming proximate with one another, but prior toactivation of contact sensors of one or both devices, and logic tointerpret activation of the contact sensors of one or both devices as anindication that the information should be applied to complete thepairing process.

The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the devices toexchange information needed for pairing via physical contact points ofthe devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to interpret activation ofthe contact sensors of one or both devices as an indication to initiateexchange between the devices of at least some of authentication,authorization, or compatibility information needed for pairing, and tointerpret signals indicating that the devices have been touched as anindication that the authentication, authorization, or compatibilityinformation should be applied to complete pairing between the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to interrupt the pairingprocess if contact with one or both devices is broken.

The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the devices towirelessly exchange information needed for pairing only duringactivation of contact sensors of both devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing between the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to establish a securechannel between the devices for communication of pairing information.

The system may include and/or involve logic to ascertain a manner inwhich contact with one or both devices is accomplished. The logic toascertain a manner in which contact with one or both devices isaccomplished may include and/or involve logic to ascertain relativemotion between one or both devices, and/or a finger or fingerscontacting one or both devices. The logic to ascertain relative motionbetween one or both devices, and/or a finger or fingers contacting oneor both devices may include and/or involve logic to ascertain at leastone of rotation, angle of incidence, or relative lateral and/or circularmotion between the devices and/or the fingers and the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to ascertain relative motionbetween the devices. The logic to ascertain relative motion between thedevices may include and/or involve logic to ascertain at least one ofrotation of one device with respect to the other, angle between thedevices, or relative lateral motion of the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect a duration ofcontact with one or both devices and to interpret the duration ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the devicesshould proceed.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect multiple instancesof contact with one or both devices and to interpret the multipleinstances of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe devices should proceed.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect an intensity ofcontact with one or both devices and to interpret the intensity ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the devicesshould proceed. The logic to detect an intensity of contact with one orboth devices and to interpret the intensity of contact as an indicationof how and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed may includeand/or involve logic to detect at least one of an average contact force,a peak contact force, or a force gradient.

The system may include and/or involve logic to communicate wirelesslywith at least one device different than the devices being paired inorder to obtain information needed to effect pairing between thedevices. The at least one device different than the devices being pairedmay include and/or involve at least one of a proximate desktop, alaptop, or a handheld computing device.

The system may include and/or involve logic to await user input as aresult of activation of contact sensors of one or both devices. Thelogic to await user input as a result of activation of contact sensorsof one or both devices may include and/or involve logic to awaitauthentication information for the user, and/or logic to await at leastone of input from a keypad, voice input, or biometric input.

The system may include and/or involve logic to authorize an extent ofpairing of the devices. The logic to authorize an extent of pairing ofthe devices may include and/or involve logic to authorize paired accessto a greater number and/or different functions of one or both devicesthan would be available if the devices were paired without each devicebeing touched, and/or logic to authorize paired access the extent ofwhich varies according to the manner and/or point of physical contactwith one or both devices, and/or logic to authorize that a person usingone or both devices is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent,and/or logic to determine an extent of pairing based at least in partupon which device is touched first. The logic to authorize paired accessthe extent of which varies according to the manner and/or point ofphysical contact with one or both devices may include and/or involvelogic to authorize paired access the extent of which varies according toan amount of area touched on one or both devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the devices. The logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the devices may include and/or involve at leastone menu of pairing options, and/or logic to provide an indication thata user should provide input to the pairing process, and/or logic toprovide a first indication when the first device is touched, and logicto provide a second indication when the second device is touched, and/orlogic to provide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations,sounds, or display indications, and/or at least one of logic to providean indication that pairing was successful, an indication that pairingwas unsuccessful due to insufficient available information, anindication that pairing between the devices is available or anindication that pairing is in process. The logic to provide anindication that a user should provide input to the pairing process mayinclude and/or involve logic to provide an indication that the usershould provide at least one of a password, a spoken input, a biometricinput, or information from a card and/or memory device. Othersystem/method/apparatus aspects are described in the text (e.g.,detailed description and claims) and drawings forming the presentapplication.

A method may include and/or involve receiving at least one sound, andpairing at least two devices as a result of the at least one sound.Pairing at least two devices as a result of the at least one sound mayinclude and/or involve recognizing from the sound an identification ofat least one of the devices, and/or extracting authenticationinformation from the sound, and/or identifying at least one purpose,feature, attribute, and/or function from the sound and identifying atleast one of the devices, and/or a pairing thereof, as providing theidentified at least one purpose, feature, attribute, and/or function,and/or comparing information of the sound with a biometric voice print,and/or extracting from the sound both information needed to pair thedevices and a biometric voice print, and/or analyzing voice informationof the at least one sound, and/or identifying a type or types of thesound and selecting the devices to pair at least in part according tothe type or types of the sound, and/or identifying a type or types ofthe sound and determining an extent of pairing of the devices at leastin part according to the type or types of the sound, and/or determininga level and/or variation of at least one of volume, pitch, or tone ofthe sound, and selecting at least one of the devices to pair, and/or anextent of pairing, accordingly. Identifying at least one purpose,feature, attribute, and/or function from the sound and identifying atleast one of the devices, and/or a pairing thereof, as providing theidentified at least one purpose, feature, attribute, and/or function mayinclude and/or involve at least one of identifying when at least one ofthe devices was purchased, identifying a status of at least one device,identifying an existing relationship between devices, identifying atleast one device pairing history, identifying a manufacturer of at leastone device, identifying a place of manufacture for at least one device,identifying a year of manufacture or version for at least one device, oridentifying a location of at least one device. Analyzing voiceinformation of the at least one sound may include and/or involveidentifying words and/or phrases from the voice information, and/oridentifying, from the voice information, an individual that is thesource of the voice information. Identifying a type or types of thesound may include and/or involve identifying at least one of a whistle,a click, a clap, a knock, a snap, a ring, or a tone.

The method may include and/or involve discontinuing pairing of the atleast two devices. Discontinuing pairing at least partially because theat least two devices may include and/or involve discontinuing pairingwhen the at least two devices are no longer proximate with one another,and/or discontinuing pairing of the at least two devices at leastpartially because of completion of a task, and/or discontinuing pairingat least partially because an amount of authorized pairing time lapses,and/or discontinuing pairing at least partially due to a user selectionto discontinue pairing. Discontinuing pairing of the at least twodevices as a result of completion of a task may include and/or involvediscontinuing pairing of the at least two devices at least partiallybecause of at least one of placing a call, transferring a file, sendinga message, or performing a backup.

The method may include and/or involve retaining information about thepairing of the at least two devices.

The method may include and/or involve applying the retained informationto resume pairing of the at least two devices, after pairing of the atleast two devices is discontinued and/or interrupted. Applying theretained information to resume pairing of the at least two devices,after pairing of the at least two devices is discontinued and/orinterrupted may include and/or involve applying the retained informationto resume pairing of the at least two devices once the at least twodevices are once again in proximity, and/or applying the retainedinformation to resume pairing of the at least two devices, once the atleast two devices are once again in communication with one another.

The method may include and/or involve detecting proximity between thedevices and interpreting at least one sound, in conjunction withproximity between the devices, as an indication that pairing of thedevices should be attempted.

The method may include and/or involve detecting increasing proximitybetween the devices and interpreting at least one sound, in conjunctionwith recently detected increasing proximity between the devices, as anindication that pairing of the devices should be attempted.

The method may include and/or involve the devices wirelessly exchanginginformation needed for pairing, upon approaching or becoming proximatewith one another, but prior to receiving at least one sound, andinterpreting the at least one sound as an indication that the exchangedinformation should be applied to complete the pairing process.

The method may include and/or involve logic to interpret the sound as anindication to initiate exchange with the other device of at least someof authentication, authorization, or compatibility information neededfor pairing.

The method may include and/or involve un-pairing the devices as a resultof a same or different sound or sounds.

The method may include and/or involve authenticating and/or authorizingpairing of the devices.

The method may include and/or involve establishing a secure channel forcommunication of pairing information.

The method may include and/or involve ascertaining relative motionbetween two or more of the devices. Ascertaining relative motion betweentwo or more of the devices may include and/or involve ascertaining atleast one of rotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motionbetween the two or more devices.

The method may include and/or involve detecting a duration of the soundand applying the duration of the sound as an indication of to whatextent and/or whether pairing of the devices should take place.

The method may include and/or involve detecting multiple sounds andapplying the multiple sounds as an indication of to what extent and/orwhether pairing of the devices should proceed.

The method may include and/or involve detecting an intensity of soundand applying the intensity of sound as an indication of to what extentand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed. Detecting anintensity of sound and applying the intensity of sound as an indicationof to what extent and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceedmay include and/or involve detecting at least one of an average volume,a peak volume, or a volume gradient of the sound or sounds.

The method may include and/or involve communicating with at least onedevice different than the devices to pair, to obtain information neededto effect pairing of the devices. The at least one device different thanthe devices to pair may include and/or involve at least one of aproximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computing device.

The method may include and/or involve awaiting user input as a result ofthe sound or sounds. Awaiting user input as a result of the sound orsounds may include and/or involve awaiting authentication informationfor the user, and/or awaiting at least one of input from a keypad, voiceinput, or biometric input.

The method may include and/or involve pairing the devices to an extentdetermined by qualities and/or circumstances of the sound or sounds.Pairing the devices to an extent determined by qualities and/orcircumstances of the sound or sounds may include and/or involve pairingto enable functions and/or features of one or both devices, or thecombination thereof, determined by qualities and/or circumstances of thesound or sounds, and/or authorizing that a person or persons using oneor both devices is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent.

The method may include and/or involve providing one or more audibleand/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or resultsof pairing of the devices. Providing one or more audible and/or visualand/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results of pairing ofthe devices may include and/or involve presenting pairing options to auser of the devices, and/or providing an indication that a user shouldprovide input to the pairing process, and/or providing at least one ofone or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications,and/or providing at least one of an indication that pairing wassuccessful, an indication that pairing was unsuccessful due toinsufficient available information, an indication that pairing betweenthe devices is available, or an indication that pairing is in process.Presenting pairing options to a user of the devices may include and/orinvolve presenting at least one of a visual menu or voice prompts.Presenting pairing options may include and/or involve presenting optionsrelevant to the way the pairing is accomplished, presenting options forparameters of the pairing, or presenting options for one or more tasksand/or functions served by the pairing. Presenting options forparameters of the pairing may include and/or involve presenting optionsfor pairing duration, location constraints, or conditions forterminating pairing.

Providing an indication that a user should provide input to the pairingprocess may include and/or involve providing an indication that the usershould provide at least one of a password, a spoken input, a selectionof an option, a biometric input, or information from a card and/ormemory device.

The method may include and/or involve receiving a user selection fromamong the presented pairing options, and proceeding with pairingaccording to the user selection.

A device may include and/or involve a sound sensor, and logic to enablethe device to ascertain and/or identify, from signals received via thesound sensor, at least one of pairing information, at least one otherdevice with which to pair, a person effecting pairing of the device withthe at least one other device, or an extent to which to pair with the atleast one other device. The logic to enable the device to ascertainand/or identify, from signals received via the sound sensor, at leastone of pairing information, at least one other device with which topair, a person effecting pairing of the device with the at least oneother device, or an extent to which to pair with the at least one otherdevice may include and/or involve logic to recognize from the signals anidentification of at least one device with which to pair, and/or logicto extract user authentication information from the signals, and/orlogic to identify at least one purpose and/or function and/or featurefrom the signals, and to identify at least one device providing theidentified at least one purpose and/or function and/or feature, and/orlogic to compare information of the signals with a biometric voiceprint, and/or logic to extract from the signals both information toidentify at least one device with which to pair, and a biometric voiceprint, and/or logic to analyze the signals as voice information, and/orlogic to identify a type of sound represented by the signals, and/orlogic to determine a level and/or variation or at least one of volume,pitch, or tone of sound represented by the signals. The logic to analyzethe signals as voice information may include and/or involve logic toidentify words and/or phrases from the signals, and/or logic toidentify, from the signals, an individual that is the source of voiceinformation represented by the signals. The logic to identify a type ofsound represented by the signals may include and/or involve logic toidentify at least one of a whistle, a click, a clap, a knock, a snap, aring, or a tone.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect proximity betweenthe device and at least one other device, and to interpret at least onesound represented by the signals, in conjunction with proximity betweenthe devices, as an indication that pairing of the device with at leastone other device should be attempted.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect increasingproximity between the device and the at least one other device, and tointerpret at least one sound represented by the signals, in conjunctionwith recently detected increasing proximity between the device and theat least one other device, as an indication that pairing of the devicewith the at least one other device should be attempted.

The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the device towirelessly receive information needed for pairing, upon approaching orbecoming proximate with the at least one other device, but prior toreceiving signals representing at least one sound, and logic tointerpret the at least one sound as an indication that the receivedinformation should be applied to complete pairing with the at least oneother device.

The device may include and/or involve logic to interpret the signals asan indication to initiate exchange with the at least one other device ofat least some of authentication, authorization, or compatibilityinformation needed for pairing.

The device may include and/or involve logic to unpair the device fromthe at least one other device, as a result of receiving signalsrepresenting one or more sounds.

The device may include and/or involve logic to enable the device toexchange with the at least one other device, during and/or proximate toa duration of the signals representing one or more sounds, informationneeded for pairing.

The device may include and/or involve logic to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing of the device with one or more other devices.

The device may include and/or involve logic to establish a securechannel for communication of pairing information.

The device may include and/or involve logic to ascertain relative motionbetween the device and the at least one other device. The logic toascertain relative motion between the device and the at least one otherdevice may include and/or involve logic to ascertain at least one ofrotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motion between thedevice and the at least one other device.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect a duration of thesound represented by the signals and to interpret the duration of thesound as an indication of to what extent and/or whether pairing of thedevice with the at least one other device should be accomplished.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect multiple soundsfrom the signals and to interpret the multiple sounds as an indicationof to what extent and/or whether pairing of the devices should beaccomplished.

The device may include and/or involve logic to detect an intensity ofsound represented by the signals, and to interpret the intensity ofsound as an indication of to what extent and/or whether pairing of thedevices should be accomplished. The logic to detect an intensity ofsound represented by the signals, and to interpret the intensity ofsound as an indication of to what extent and/or whether pairing of thedevices should be accomplished may include and/or involve logic todetect at least one of an average volume, a peak volume, or a volumegradient.

The device may include and/or involve logic to communicate with the atleast one device different than the devices to pair, to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing of the devices. The at least onedevice different than the devices to pair may include and/or involve atleast one of a proximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computingdevice.

The device may include and/or involve logic to await user input as aresult of the signals representing sound. The logic to await user inputas a result of the signals representing sound may include and/or involvelogic to await authentication information for a user of the device,and/or logic to await at least one of input from a keypad, a voiceinput, or a biometric input.

The device may include and/or involve logic to authorize an extent ofpairing of the device and the at least one other device. The logic toauthorize an extent of pairing of the device and the at least one otherdevice may include and/or involve logic to authorize paired access to agreater number and/or different functions of one or more than one of thedevices to pair, than would be available if the devices were pairedwithout application of the signals representing sound, and/or logic toauthorize paired access the extent of which varies according to thenature of the sound represented by the signals, and/or logic toauthorize that a person using one or more of the devices to pair isauthorized to do so, and/or to what extent.

The device may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the device and the at least one other device. Thelogic to provide one or more audible and/or visual and/or tactileindications on the progress and/or results of pairing of the device andthe at least one other device may include and/or involve at least onepresentation of pairing options, and/or logic to provide an indicationthat a user should provide input to the pairing process, and/or logic toprovide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds,or display indications, and/or at least one of logic to provide anindication that pairing was successful, an indication that pairing wasunsuccessful due to insufficient available information, an indicationthat pairing is available, or an indication that pairing is in process.The logic to provide an indication that a user should provide input tothe pairing process may include and/or involve logic to provide anindication that the user should provide at least one of a password, aspoken input, a biometric input, a selection of a pairing option, orinformation from a card and/or memory device.

A system may include and/or involve a first device, a second device, andlogic to enable the first and second devices to pair as a result of atleast one sound. The logic to enable the first and second devices topair as a result of at least one sound may include and/or involve logicto recognize from the sound an identification of at least one of thefirst and second devices, and/or logic to extract authenticationinformation from the sound, and/or logic to identify at least onepurpose and/or function from the sound and to identify at least one ofthe first and second devices as providing the identified at least onepurpose and/or function, and/or logic to compare information of thesound with a biometric voice print, and/or logic to extract from thesound both information to identify the first and/or second devices and abiometric voice print, and/or logic to analyze voice information, and/orlogic to identify a type of the sound, and/or logic to determine a leveland/or variation or at least one of volume, pitch, or tone of the sound.The logic to analyze voice information may include and/or involve logicto identify words and/or phrases from the voice information, and/orlogic to identify, from the voice information, an individual that is thesource of the voice information. The logic to identify a type of thesound may include and/or involve logic to identify at least one of awhistle, a click, a clap, a knock, a snap, a ring, or a tone.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect proximity betweenthe devices and to interpret at least one sound, in conjunction withproximity between the devices, as an indication that pairing of thedevices should be attempted.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect increasingproximity between the devices and to interpret at least one sound, inconjunction with recently detected increasing proximity between thedevices, as an indication that pairing of the devices should beattempted.

The system may include and/or involve logic to enable the devices towirelessly exchange information needed for pairing, upon approaching orbecoming proximate with one another, but prior to receiving at least onesound, and logic to interpret the at least one sound as an indicationthat the information should be applied to complete the pairing process.

The system may include and/or involve logic to interpret the sound as anindication to initiate exchange with the other device of at least someof authentication, authorization, or compatibility information neededfor pairing.

The system may include and/or involve logic to unpair the devices as aresult of the same or different sound or sounds.

The system may include and/or involve logic to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing of the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to establish a securechannel for communication of pairing information.

The system may include and/or involve logic to ascertain relative motionbetween the devices. The logic to ascertain relative motion between thedevices may include and/or involve logic to ascertain at least one ofrotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motion between thedevices.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect a duration of thesound and to interpret the duration of the sound as an indication of howand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect multiple soundsand to interpret the multiple sounds as an indication of how and/orwhether pairing of the devices should proceed.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect an intensity ofsound and to interpret the intensity of sound as an indication of howand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed. The logic todetect an intensity of sound and to interpret the intensity of sound asan indication of how and/or whether pairing of the devices shouldproceed may include and/or involve logic to detect at least one of anaverage volume, a peak volume, or a volume gradient.

The system may include and/or involve logic to communicate with at leastone device different than the devices to pair, to obtain informationneeded to effect pairing of the devices. The at least one devicedifferent than the devices to pair may include and/or involve at leastone of a proximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computing device.

The system may include and/or involve logic to await user input as aresult of the sound. The logic to await user input as a result of thesound may include and/or involve logic to await authenticationinformation for the user, and/or logic to await at least one of inputfrom a keypad, a voice input, or a biometric input.

The system may include and/or involve logic to authorize an extent ofpairing of the devices. The logic to authorize an extent of pairing ofthe devices may include and/or involve logic to authorize paired accessto a greater number and/or different functions of one or both devicesthan would be available if the devices were paired without applicationof the sound, and/or logic to authorize paired access the extent ofwhich varies according to the nature of the sound, and/or logic toauthorize that a person using one or both devices is authorized to doso, and/or to what extent.

The system may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the devices. The logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the devices may include and/or involve logic toprovide at least one presentation of pairing options, and/or logic toprovide an indication that a user should provide input to the pairingprocess, and/or logic to provide at least one of one or more lights,tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications, and/or at least oneof logic to provide an indication that pairing was successful, anindication that pairing was unsuccessful due to insufficient availableinformation, an indication that pairing between the devices isavailable, or an indication that pairing is in process. The logic toprovide an indication that a user should provide input to the pairingprocess may include and/or involve logic to provide an indication thatthe user should provide at least one of a password, a spoken input, abiometric input, a user selection of a pairing option, or informationfrom a card and/or memory device. Other system/method/apparatus aspectsare described in the text (e.g., detailed description and claims) anddrawings forming the present application.

A method may include and/or involve applying a first device tofacilitate pairing between a second device and a third device bytouching the first device to the second device, and then touching thefirst device to the third device, with a result that the second deviceand third device are thus enabled to pair with one another.

The method may include and/or involve discontinuing pairing of thesecond device and the third device. The discontinuing pairing of thesecond device and the third device may include and/or involvediscontinuing pairing when the second device and third device are nolonger proximate with one another, and/or discontinuing pairing at leastpartially due to an action of a user of the first and/or second devices,and/or discontinuing pairing at least partially because the seconddevice and/or third device are no longer proximate with the firstdevice, and/or discontinuing pairing at least partially because anamount of authorized pairing time lapses, and/or discontinuing pairingof the second device and the third device at least partially as a resultof completion of a task, for example at least partially as a result ofplacing a call, transferring a file, sending a message, or performing abackup.

The method may include and/or involve retaining information about thepairing of the second device and the third device.

The method may include and/or involve applying the retained informationto resume pairing of the second device and the third device, afterpairing of the second device and the third device is discontinued and/orinterrupted. The applying the retained information to resume pairing ofthe second device and the third device, after pairing of the seconddevice and the third device is discontinued and/or interrupted mayinclude and/or involve applying the retained information to resumepairing of the second device and the third device once the second deviceand the third device are once again in proximity with one another,and/or applying the retained information to resume pairing of the seconddevice and the third device when the first device is once again incontact with the second device and/or the third device, and/or applyingthe retained information to resume pairing of the second device and thethird device, when the first device is once again in proximity with thesecond device and/or the third device.

The method may include and/or involve detecting a manner of contactbetween the first device and the second device and/or the third device.The detecting a manner of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device may include and/or involvedetecting relative motion between the first device and the second deviceand/or the third device at a point or points of contact, and/ordetecting a duration of contact between the first device and the seconddevice and/or the third device, and determining from the duration ofcontact an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the second deviceand the third device should be accomplished, and/or detecting multipleinstances of contact between the first device and the second deviceand/or the third device, and interpreting the multiple instances ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the seconddevice and the third device should be accomplished, and/or detecting anintensity of contact between the first device and the second deviceand/or the third device, and interpreting the intensity of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the second device and thethird device should be accomplished, and/or detecting a point or pointsof contact between the first device and the second device and/or thethird device, and interpreting the point or points of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the second device and thethird device should be accomplished. The detecting an intensity ofcontact between the first device and the second device and/or the thirddevice, and interpreting the intensity of contact as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the second device and the third deviceshould be accomplished may include and/or involve detecting at least oneof an average contact force, a peak contact force, or force gradient.

The method may include and/or involve providing one or more audibleand/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or resultsof pairing of the second device and the third device. The providing oneor more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progressand/or results of pairing of the second device and the third device mayinclude and/or involve presenting at least one pairing option, and/orproviding an indication that a user should provide input to the pairingprocess, and/or providing at least one of one or more lights, tones,vibrations, sounds, or display indications, and/or at least one ofproviding an indication that pairing was successful, providing anindication that pairing was unsuccessful due to insufficient availableinformation, providing an indication that pairing between the devices isavailable, or providing an indication that pairing is in process.Presenting at least one pairing option may include and/or involve one ormore of presenting options relevant to the way the pairing isaccomplished, presenting options for parameters of the pairing, orpresenting options for one or more tasks and/or function served by thepairing. The providing an indication that a user should provide input tothe pairing process may include and/or involve providing an indicationthat the user should provide at least one of a password, spoken input,biometric input, or information from a card and/or memory device.Presenting options for parameters of the pairing may include and/orinvolve presenting options for pairing duration, location constraints,or conditions for terminating pairing.

The method may include and/or involve awaiting user input as a result ofcontact between the first device and the second device and/or thirddevice. The awaiting user input as a result of contact between the firstdevice and the second device and/or third device may include and/orinvolve awaiting at least one of input from a keypad, one or morebuttons, a voice input, or a biometric input, and/or awaitingauthentication information for the user.

The method may include and/or involve receiving user input to thepairing process.

The method may include and/or involve applying the user input tocomplete the pairing of the second device and the third device.

A system may include and/or involve a first device, a second device, anda third device, and logic to facilitate pairing between the seconddevice and the third device as a result of contact between the firstdevice and at least one of the second and third devices. The logic tofacilitate pairing between the second device and the third device as aresult of contact between the first device and at least one of thesecond and third devices may include and/or involve logic to receivepairing information from the second device as a result of contact withthe second device, and to communicate the pairing information to thethird device as a result of contact with the third device, and/or logicto communicate pairing information to the second device as a result ofcontact with the second device, and to communicate the pairinginformation to the third device as a result of contact with the thirddevice, and/or logic to pick up pairing information from the seconddevice as a result of contact with the second device, and to carry thepairing information and to communicate the pairing information to thethird device as a result of contact with the third device, and/or logicto wirelessly communicate information received from either or both ofthe second device and third device to a fourth device in order tofacilitate pairing of the second device and the third device. The logicto communicate pairing information to the second device as a result ofcontact with the second device, and to communicate the pairinginformation to the third device as a result of contact with the thirddevice may include and/or involve logic to communicate the pairinginformation via one or more points of contact, and/or logic tocommunicate the pairing information using short-range wirelesstechnology, and/or logic to communicate the pairing information after atime or times of contact with the second device and/or the third devicehas ended, and/or logic to wirelessly communicate pairing informationprior to contact with the second device and/or the third device, and tocommunicate additional pairing information upon contact with the seconddevice and/or third device, the additional pairing information employedby the second device and/or third device during pairing, and/or logic tocommunicate the pairing information during a time or times of contactwith the second device and/or the third device, and/or logic tocommunicate information stored by the first device prior to contact witheither of the second device or the third device. The logic to wirelesslycommunicate pairing information received from either or both of thesecond device and third device to a fourth device in order to facilitatepairing of the second device and the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to communicate user and/or device authenticationinformation to the fourth device. The additional pairing informationemployed by the second device and/or third device to pair may includeand/or involve device and/or user authentication and/or authorizationinformation. The logic to communicate information stored by the firstdevice prior to contact with either of the second device or the thirddevice may include and/or involve logic to store at least one of userauthentication information and/or financial transaction information. Thesystem may include logic to communicate device and/or userauthentication and/or authorization information to the second and/orthird devices, for example as a result of contact between the secondand/or third devices and the first device.

The system may include and/or involve logic to retain information aboutthe pairing of the second device and the third device, after pairing ofthe second device and the third device is complete. The logic to retaininformation about the pairing of the second device and the third device,after pairing of the second device and the third device is complete mayinclude and/or involve logic to apply the retained information to resumepairing of the second device and the third device, after pairing of thesecond device and the third device is interrupted. The logic to applythe retained information to resume pairing of the second device and thethird device, after pairing of the second device and the third device isinterrupted may include and/or involve logic to apply the retainedinformation to resume pairing of the second device and the third deviceonce the second device and the third device are once again in proximity,and/or logic to apply the retained information to resume pairing of thesecond device and the third device when the first device is once againin contact with the second device and/or the third device, and/or logicto apply the retained information to resume pairing of the second deviceand the third device, once the first device is once again in proximitywith the second device and the third device.

The system may include and/or involve logic to discontinue pairing ofthe second device and the third device. The logic to discontinue pairingof the second device and the third device may include and/or involvelogic to discontinue pairing when the second device and/or third deviceare no longer proximate with the first device, and/or logic todiscontinue pairing if an amount of authorized user time lapses, and/ordiscontinuing pairing of the at least two devices as a result ofcompletion of a task, for example as a result of placing a call,transferring a file, sending a message, or performing a backup.

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect a manner ofcontact between the first device and the second device and/or the thirddevice. The logic to detect a manner of contact between the first deviceand the second device and/or the third device may include and/or involvelogic to detect relative motion between the first device and the seconddevice and/or the third device at a point or points of contact, and/orlogic to detect a duration of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to determine from theduration of contact an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thesecond device and the third device should be accomplished, and/or logicto detect multiple instances of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to interpret the multipleinstances of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe second device and the third device should be accomplished, and/orlogic to detect an intensity of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to interpret the intensity ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the seconddevice and the third device should be accomplished. The logic to detectan intensity of contact between the first device and the second deviceand/or the third device, and to interpret the intensity of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the second device and thethird device should be accomplished may include and/or involve logic todetect at least one of an average contact force, a peak contact force,or force gradient.

The system may include and/or involve logic to await user input as aresult of contact between the first device and the second device and/orthird device. The logic to await user input as a result of contactbetween the first device and the second device and/or third device mayinclude and/or involve logic to await at least one of input from akeypad, one or more buttons, a voice input, or a biometric input, and/orlogic to await authentication information for the user.

The system may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the second device and the third device. The logicto provide one or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indicationson the progress and/or results of pairing of the second device and thethird device may include and/or involve logic to provide at least onemenu of pairing options, and/or logic to provide an indication that auser should provide input to the pairing process, and/or logic toprovide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds,or display indications, and/or at least one of logic to provide anindication that pairing was successful, an indication that pairing wasunsuccessful due to insufficient available information, an indicationthat pairing between the devices is available, or an indication thatpairing is in process. The logic to provide an indication that a usershould provide input to the pairing process may include and/or involvelogic to provide an indication that the user should provide at least oneof a password, spoken input, biometric input, or information from a cardand/or memory device.

A first device may include and/or involve at least one contact sensor,and logic to facilitate pairing between a second device and a thirddevice as a result of contact between the contact sensor and at leastone of the second and third devices. The logic to facilitate pairingbetween a second device and a third device as a result of contactbetween the contact sensor and at least one of the second and thirddevices may include and/or involve logic to receive pairing informationfrom the second device as a result of contact with the second device,and to communicate the pairing information to the third device as aresult of contact with the third device, and/or logic to communicatepairing information to the second device as a result of contact with thesecond device, and to communicate the pairing information to the thirddevice as a result of contact with the third device, and/or logic topick up pairing information from the second device as a result ofcontact with the second device, and to carry the pairing information andto communicate the pairing information to the third device as a resultof contact with the third device, and/or logic to wirelessly communicatepairing information received from either or both of the second deviceand third device to a fourth device in order to facilitate pairing ofthe second device and the third device, and/or logic to detect a timeinterval between contact of the first device with the second device, andcontact of the first device with the third device. The logic tocommunicate pairing information to the second device as a result ofcontact with the second device, and to communicate the pairinginformation to the third device as a result of contact with the thirddevice may include and/or involve logic to communicate the pairinginformation via one or more points of contact, and/or logic tocommunicate the pairing information using short-range wirelesstechnology, and/or logic to communicate the pairing information during atime or times of contact with the second device and/or the third device,and/or logic to communicate information stored by the first device priorto contact with either of the second device or the third device, and/orlogic to wirelessly communicate pairing information prior to contactwith the second device and/or the third device, and to communicateadditional pairing information upon contact with the second deviceand/or third device, the additional pairing information employed by thesecond device and/or third device to pair, and/or logic to communicatethe pairing information during a time or times of contact with thesecond device and/or the third device, and/or logic to communicate thepairing information after a time or times of contact with the seconddevice and/or the third device has ended. The logic to wirelesslycommunicate pairing information received from either or both of thesecond device and third device to a fourth device in order to facilitatepairing of the second device and the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to communicate user and/or device authenticationinformation to the fourth device. The logic to detect a time intervalbetween contact of the first device with the second device, and contactof the first device with the third device may include and/or involvelogic to communicate pairing information to the third device sufficientto cause pairing with the second device to proceed only when the timeinterval does not exceed a threshold. The additional pairing informationemployed by the second device and/or third device to pair may includeand/or involve device and/or user authentication and/or authorizationinformation. The logic to communicate information stored by the firstdevice prior to contact with either of the second device or the thirddevice may include and/or involve logic to store at least one of userauthentication information and/or financial transaction information. Theadditional pairing information employed by the second device and/orthird device to pair may include and/or involve device and/or userauthentication and/or authorization information. The logic tocommunicate information stored by the first device prior to contact witheither of the second device or the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to store at least one of user authentication informationand/or financial transaction information. The logic to facilitatepairing between a second device and a third device as a result ofcontact between the contact sensor and at least one of the second andthird devices may include and/or involve logic to communicate deviceand/or user authentication and/or authorization information to thesecond and/or third devices.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to perform wirelesscommunications.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to retain informationabout the pairing of the second device and the third device, afterpairing of the second device and the third device is complete. The logicto retain information about the pairing of the second device and thethird device, after pairing of the second device and the third device iscomplete may include and/or involve logic to apply the retainedinformation to resume pairing of the second device and the third device,after pairing of the second device and the third device is interrupted.The logic to apply the retained information to resume pairing of thesecond device and the third device, after pairing of the second deviceand the third device is interrupted may include and/or involve logic toapply the retained information to resume pairing of the second deviceand the third device once the second device and the third device areonce again in proximity, and/or logic to apply the retained informationto resume pairing of the second device and the third device when thefirst device is once again in contact with the second device and/or thethird device.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to discontinue pairingof the second device and the third device. The logic to discontinuepairing of the second device and the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to discontinue pairing when the second device and/or thirddevice are no longer proximate with the first device, and/or logic todiscontinue pairing if an amount of authorized user time lapses.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to detect a manner ofcontact between the first device and the second device and/or the thirddevice. The logic to detect a manner of contact between the first deviceand the second device and/or the third device may include and/or involvelogic to detect relative motion between the first device and the seconddevice and/or the third device at a point or points of contact, and/orlogic to detect a duration of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to determine from theduration of contact an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thesecond device and the third device should be accomplished, and/or logicto detect multiple instances of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to interpret the multipleinstances of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe second device and the third device should be accomplished, and/orlogic to detect an intensity of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to interpret the intensity ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the seconddevice and the third device should be accomplished, and/or logic todetect a point or points of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and to interpret the point orpoints of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thesecond device and the third device should be accomplished. The logic todetect an intensity of contact between the first device and the seconddevice and/or the third device, and to interpret the intensity ofcontact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the seconddevice and the third device should be accomplished may include and/orinvolve logic to detect at least one of an average contact force, a peakcontact force, or force gradient.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to await user input asa result of activation of the at least one contact sensor. The logic toawait user input as a result of activation of the at least one contactsensor may include and/or involve logic to await at least one of inputfrom a keypad, one or more buttons, a voice input, or a biometric input,and/or logic to await authentication information for the user.

The first device may include and/or involve logic to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the second device and the third device. The logicto provide one or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indicationson the progress and/or results of pairing of the second device and thethird device may include and/or involve logic to provide at least onemenu of pairing options, and/or logic to provide an indication that auser should provide input to the pairing process, and/or logic toprovide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds,or display indications, and/or at least one of logic to provide anindication that pairing was successful, an indication that pairing wasunsuccessful due to insufficient available information, an indicationthat pairing between the devices is available, or an indication thatpairing is in process. The logic to provide an indication that a usershould provide input to the pairing process may include and/or involvelogic to provide an indication that the user should provide at least oneof a password, spoken input, biometric input, or information from a cardand/or memory device.

Other system/method/apparatus aspects are described in the text (e.g.,detailed description and claims) and drawings forming the presentapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, the same reference numbers and acronyms identifyelements or acts with the same or similar functionality for ease ofunderstanding and convenience. To easily identify the discussion of anyparticular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in areference number refer to the figure number in which that element isfirst introduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing technique.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a pairing-capable device.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an embodiment of an intermediate device tofacilitate pairing.

FIG. 5C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a pairingtechnique.

FIG. 6C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a pairingtechnique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” do not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, refer to this application as awhole and not to any particular portions of this application. When theclaims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items,that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: anyof the items in the list, all of the items in the list and anycombination of the items in the list.

“Logic” refers to signals and/or information that may be applied toeffect the operation of a device. Software, hardware, and firmware areexamples of logic. Hardware logic may be embodied in circuits. Ingeneral, logic may comprise combinations of software, hardware, and/orfirmware.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

Overview of FIG. 1

A device 102 includes a microphone 106, a speaker 107, a LED 108, anantenna 115 and a contact area 110. There may be more than one contactarea 110. The contact area 110 may be incorporated in a complex devicepart such as a touch sensitive screen incorporating other functions suchas display. The contact area 110 may be any part of the device 102 whichis used to touch another device 104.

The microphone 106 may be used for audible input to the device 102 andmay not be present in all embodiments. Audible input may include soundssuch as tapping or voice input such as whistling or speaking Voice inputmay be processed into words and/or phrases, and/or it may be processedas a sound pattern (e.g. a voice print). Voice input may be used, atleast in part, as a biometric for individual identification.

The speaker 107 and LED 108 may be used for audible and visualinformation conveyed from the device 102, such as requests that anindividual perform an action or feedback on the condition of someoperation the device may have performed or be performing. The speaker107 and/or LED 108 may not be present in all embodiments. Other means ofcommunicating information such as a buzzer, display, tactile surface maybe present additionally or instead of the speaker 107 and/or LED 108.

User feedback may be communicated to the user in various ways, such asthose described above using speakers/LEDs/other outputs of the device,or via some other proximate device.

The device 102 may include an antenna 115 for wireless communicationwith other devices. The device 102 may include other features such as ascanner, a camera, or cellular telephone capabilities.

Examples of devices 102 and 104 include a medallion or wearable jewelry,headphones, a telephone and/or telephone base station, a personaldigital assistant (PDA) incorporating a display, a camera, a keyboard, ascanner, a cellular telephone, and many others. Laptop and palmtopcomputers are also possibilities.

A second device 104 includes contact areas 111 and 113, an antenna 116,logic 118, and a display 120. The device 104 may have a single contactarea, or, as shown, two or more contact areas 111, 113. The device 104need not include a display 120, although a display may prove useful forcertain aspects of the pairing process. The display 120 could be part ofthe first device 102, or some other device such as 122 and/or 124.

The logic 118 operates to effect various techniques and acts for pairingthe first device 102 and the second device 104. The logic 118 may existon the first device 102, the second device 104, or in part on bothdevices. The logic 118 may exist, at least in part, on other devices,such as devices 122, and/or 124. The devices 122 and 124 may comprise aproximate laptop, desktop, or other computing device, and/or supportingnetwork and communication equipment.

The display 120 may be used to provide information to an individual orindividuals such as the person or persons causing the contact betweenthe two devices. In some embodiments, other means of communicatinginformation such as an LED, buzzer, or speaker may be presentadditionally or instead of the display 120 on either or both of devices102 and 104, and/or on a proximate device such as 122 or 124.

The antenna 116 enables wireless communication between the device 104and other devices. The device 104 may include other features notdescribed herein. The device 104 may be a laptop, desktop, tower, orserver computer attached via wireless or wired communications to anIntranet and/or the Internet and providing, for example, a sophisticatedapplication such as a medical patient monitoring station or machinecontrol application for a machine tool.

The device 102 may be moved by a user to touch the device 104. Thedevice 104 may also be mobile. For example, the device 104 could be acellular telephone, PDA, or laptop computer. In some situations, eitherall or some part of both device 102 and device 104 may be moving at atime of contact. For example, one individual could be moving 102 whileanother is moving 104 and the two devices 102 104 could thus contact.

Depending on the circumstances, the device 102 or a part thereof may bemoved to contact device 104, and/or the device 104 or a part thereof maybe moved to contact device 102.

The device pairing arrangement may also include additional devices, suchas device 122, 123, and 124. Various data, logic, resources, andcapabilities, including information and logic, to accomplish the pairingprocess may be provided by these other devices 122, 123, and 124. Thedevices 102 and/or 104 to pair may communicate with one or more of thedevices 122-124 using wireless or other types of communication duringthe pairing process.

By way of example, the device 123 may provide a network access point fora wired and/or wireless network. Thus, for example, the device 123 mayinclude an antenna 125. The antenna 125 may enable one or both ofdevices 102 104 to communicate via a network with other devices, such asdevice 124, located remotely from device 102 104. Such communication mayenable devices 102 and/or 104 to receive additional information fromdevice 124 that may assist in the pairing process. Some of the logic 118used to effectuate pairing including even in some cases the decision topair may be embodied in a remote device or devices 124.

Pairing

The device pairing arrangement includes a first device 102, a seconddevice 104, and logic 118 to effect pairing of the first and seconddevices upon detection of physical contact between the first and seconddevices. Pairing involves cooperative operation of the two devices 102104, generally involving communication between the devices 102 104.Effecting pairing may involve actions such as identifying either one orboth devices 102 104 or one or more device characteristics, features,and/or functions; identifying (authenticating) the person or somecharacteristic of the person using the devices 102 104; authorizing thepairing and/or to what extent; and configuring one or both of thedevices 102 104 with settings and information to facilitate pairedoperation.

Effectuating pairing involves communication of information. Informationmay be communicated in various ways, including using the contact points,wirelessly, or using some wired communication method, or combinationsthereof.

Information to facilitate pairing may be communicated between the twodevices 102 104, or almost entirely from one device to another. Forexample, device 102 may consist of a medallion or ring containing storedvalue (similar in concept to a prepaid phone card) which is usedprimarily to accomplish a commercial transaction. When the medallion 102is touched to device 104, information about the stored value may bepassed to device 104. Device 104 may then perform many, most, or allactions involved to establish pairing, such as identifying thecommercial transaction and deciding if it may be accomplished. (The usermay be interacting through a touch screen or keyboard or verbally withdevice 104 during this period.). Device 104 may then initiate pairing.While the two devices are paired, device 104 may pass information aboutthe commercial transaction back to device 102.

The information exchanged, and the direction of such exchange, may varyaccording to the implementation. For example, the device 102 might passinformation about a desired common purpose to the device 104, along withcapabilities of the device 102. The device 104 may determine if it issuitable to provide the common service with device 102, and notifydevice 102 of this decision. The device 102 may then pass informationauthenticating the person using it to the device 104. And so on.

Sometimes, effectuation of pairing may at times require an individual toprovide an input to one or both of the devices 102 104, or to perform anaction. For example, the user of the device 102 and/or 104 may have toenter a password or provide a biometric input before pairing will beaccomplished. The user may have to speak his or her name, to bevalidated biometrically. The individual may have to present a finger toa scanner for biometric fingerprint identification.

Effectuation of pairing may in some instances involve access toinformation and processing capability external to the two pairingdevices 102 104. For example, if an individual provides a biometricinput to device 102, it might use the antenna 115 to communicate thefingerprint information wirelessly to device 123 via the antenna 126.Device 123 might then provide the fingerprint information, via anetwork, to device 124 for authentication and authorization of theuser's permission to pair device 104 with device 102.

The information needed to effect pairing may be passed using a varietyof physical medium. Some or all of the information needed to effectpairing may be communicated through the contact point of the two devices102 104. Some or all of the information needed to effect pairing may becommunicated using a wireless capability of either or both devices 102104. Either or both of devices 102 104 may implement wired or wirelessnetwork connectivity, so that some or all of the information needed toeffect pairing may be communicated to one or both devices via acommunication network.

One or both devices 102 104 may be paired with some other device (notshown) at the time the devices 102 104 become proximate and touch.Depending on the circumstances, the original pairing or pairings may beterminated, and a pairing between the devices 102 104 effected. Or, asecond pairing may occur between devices 102 104 and one or moreoriginal pairings may continue. In some circumstances, when the twodevices 102 104 touch, pairing may be rejected if one or both devices102 104 are already paired.

Contact Between Devices

The logic 118 may operate to interpret device contact, e.g. activationof the contact sensors of one or both devices 102 104, as an indicationto initiate exchange between the devices 102 104 of at least some ofauthentication, authorization, compatibility and/or configurationinformation needed for pairing. Under these circumstances, thisinformation may be passed during or after contact has occurred. Again,although the logic 118 is illustrated with respect to device 104, thelogic may in fact exist wholly or in part in various elements of thesystem, including devices 102, 122, and 124, or any other device of thesystem.

The logic 118 may operate to interpret recognition of contact as aconfirmation that pairing is to occur. When the devices 102 104 have amechanism for communicating information when they are not in contact,some of the information needed to effect pairing may be communicatedprior to the time of contact. For example, the devices 102 104 may bothhave antennas 115 116 supporting wireless communication and may passsome pairing information when in proximity but before making contact.

As previously noted, the logic 118 may include logic to enable thedevices 102 104 to exchange pairing information, at least in part, withone another via the physical contact point. The logic 118 may providefor interrupting the pairing process if contact is broken. The logic 118may provide for enabling the devices to wirelessly exchange informationneeded for pairing only during activation of the contact sensor.

Manner of Contact

The logic 118 to effect pairing may include logic to ascertain a mannerin which contact between the two devices is accomplished. By identifyinga manner of contact, other information is provided by the contact beyondthe fact of contact. This additional information may be used duringpairing effectuation. For example, the additional information may act toauthenticate (identify) and/or authorize a user of the device(s) 102104. For example, touching and, at the same time, rotating the device102 clockwise could indicate that pairing should occur between a headsetand a telephone base, with connection to the office. Counterclockwiserotation could mean pairing between the headset and the base, with aconnection to a relative's home.

The manner of touching may be used for other purposes. For example, inthe previous example of touching and rotating, a particular pattern ofmovements and/or rotations could be used to authorize the pairing.

The logic 118 may determine which contact area (such as 111 or 113) orareas are being touched. The logic 118 may determine the orientation ofone device 102 with respect to the other 104 at the time of contact. Forexample, logic may determine that the long axis of one device 102 isoriented horizontally with respect to the long axis of the second device104. Determining the orientation of one device 102 with respect toanother 104 may be performed by determining the orientation of onecontact area (such as the long axis of contact area 110) on device 102with respect to a contact area 111 on device 104.

The logic 118 may operate to ascertain relative motion between thedevices 102 104. Ascertaining relative motion may include may includeascertaining at least one of rotation, angle of approach, or relativelateral motion between the devices 102 104. Determining relative lateralmotion may include logic to recognize that the device 102 which hastouched the device 104 is moving across one or more of the contactpoints 110 111 113, and if so, how fast and in what relative direction.

The logic 118 may operate to detect a duration of contact and tointerpret the duration of contact as an indication of how and/or whetherpairing of the devices should proceed. The logic 118 may operate todetect multiple instances of contact and to interpret the multipleinstances of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe devices should proceed. The logic 118 may operate to detect anintensity of contact and to interpret the intensity of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed,for example to detect at least one of an average contact force, a peakcontact force, or force gradient.

Relative Motion Before or after Contact

The logic 118 may operate to ascertain relative motion between thedevices 102 104 prior to or after contact. Information about relativemotion may be applied for various purposes, including authenticationand/or authorization. For example, the user may be required to swing thedevice 102 to and fro when proximate to the device 104 within a certainnumber of seconds of touching in order for the pairing to be authorized.Ascertaining relative motion prior to or after contact may include useof the wireless capabilities of the devices 102 104.

Authentication/Authorization

The logic 118 to effect pairing may include logic to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing between the devices 102 104. Authenticating and/orauthorizing the pairing may include identifying one or both devices 102104 and/or identifying at least one device characteristic for one orboth devices 102 104, such as determining whether the devices 102 104are suitable for use for the purpose required and that they 102 104 arecompatible for pairing to accomplish that purpose. For example, pairingmay have been initiated with a goal of accomplishing a commercialtransaction requiring secure communication. Both devices 102 104 mayhave a device characteristic of supporting one or more varieties ofencryption. However, they 102 104 may support only DES encryption incommon. The recognition that the devices 102 104 are compatible and thatDES encryption should be employed may occur as a result of theinformation exchanged during the pairing effectuation process.

Authenticating and/or authorizing pairing may include identifying a userof one or both of the devices) 102 104 touching and/or to identify atleast one characteristic of the user. For example, the user may be amember of a group, department, or organization, such as a computernetwork administrator with broad access privileges.

The system may include logic to authorize an extent of pairing of thedevices 102 104. By extent of pairing it is meant authorization of whichfunctions and how extensively certain functions can be performed whilethe devices are paired. Authorization of an extent of pairing may bebased, at least in part, on the identity or at least one characteristicof the user. Authorization of an extent of pairing may be based, atleast in part, on the identity of the devices 102 104 or devicecharacteristics or state.

Other factors may be taken into consideration when authorizing an extentof pairing to allow. Authorization of an extent of pairing may be based,at least in part, on time of day or physical location. Authorization ofan extent of pairing may be based, at least in part, on the manner oftouching and/or point of physical contact 110 111 113 between the twodevices 102 104. Authorization may be provided for a greater numberand/or different functions and/or features of one or both devices 102104 than would be available if the devices were paired without physicalcontact. A secure channel may be established between the devices forcommunication of pairing information, particularlyauthentication/authorization information.

Feedback

The logic 118 may operate to provide one or more audible and/or visualand/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results of pairing ofthe devices. The device 102 may include feedback capabilities such as aspeaker 107 and/or LED 108. The device 104 is shown as including adisplay 120 for feedback purposes, among other things.

Providing feedback may include providing at least one menu of pairingoptions, such as might be presented on a display 120 or by the speaker107. Providing feedback may include providing an indication that a usershould provide input to the pairing process. Such inputs could includespeech, keyboard entry, pressing a switch, performing a scan, or takingan action or actions involving the contact points 110 111 113 of thedevices 102 104. Providing feedback may include providing one or morelights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications.

The feedback may include at least one indication that pairing wassuccessful, unsuccessful due to insufficient available information, toindicate that pairing between the devices is available, or to indicatethat pairing is in process. The feedback may indicate that the usershould provide at least one of a password, spoken input, biometricinput, or information from a card and/or memory device.

Interaction with Other Devices

The logic 118 may operate to communicate wirelessly with at least onedevice 122 124 different than the two devices 102 104 to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing between the devices 102 104. Theother device or devices 122 124 may be physically near (same or closeroom or same building) or remotely located with respect to the locationof the pairing devices 102 104. The other device or devices 122 124 maybe accessed wirelessly, or via a network such as an intranet or theInternet.

User Input

The logic 118 to effect pairing may operate to await user input as aresult of activation of one or more of the contact sensors 110 111 113.The system may await user input in the form of authenticationinformation for the user, for example from a keypad, voice input, orbiometric input. The system may await actions to be taken by the user,such as touching the devices 102 104 together again, touching for acertain approximate duration of time, touching multiple times in apattern, rotating one device 102 with respect to the other 104 at thecontact point 110 111 113, touching the devices 102 104 again but usingat least one different contact point (such as 113 instead of 111), orother actions.

Proximity

The logic 118 may operate to detect increasing proximity between thedevices 102 104 and to interpret activation of the contact sensor 110111 113, in conjunction with recently detected increasing proximitybetween the devices, as an indication that pairing of the devices shouldbe effected. For example, the wirelessly exchange of information neededfor pairing may take place upon the devices approaching or becomingproximate with one another, but prior to activation of the contactsensor, and activation of the contact sensor may provide an indicationthat the information should be applied to complete the pairing process.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method.

Overview of FIG. 2

At 202, the devices are recognized as proximate. This action may takeplace, for example, in situations where the devices communicate prior todevice contact. At 204, the motion of the devices is analyzed. Aspreviously noted, such analysis may take place prior to, during, orafter contact. At 206, one or both devices detect that contact hasoccurred between them. At 208, information obtained prior to, during, orafter contact is applied to authenticate and/or authorize the pairing ofthe devices. At 210, feedback is provided to the user and user inputobtained. Feedback and user input may occur as a part of theauthentication and authorization process 208, or for other reasons. At212, the pairing effectuation process is complete.

Detecting Proximity

Activation of one or more contact sensors, in conjunction with recentlydetected increasing proximity between the devices, may provide anindication that pairing of the devices should be attempted. Informationfor pairing the devices may be exchanged wirelessly, upon the devicesbecoming proximate with one another, but prior to activation of one ormore contact sensors, and activation of the one or more contact sensorsmay provide an indication to complete pairing of the devices.

Relative Motion Before or After Contact

As previously discussed, relative motion between the devices may beapplied to influence the pairing process, and/or the extent of pairingundertaken.

Contact Detection and Processing

Pairing between the devices may be effected upon detection of physicalcontact between the devices. Pairing information may be exchanged, insome circumstances, via the physical contact point(s). Contact mayresult in initiating an exchange between the devices of at least some ofauthentication, authorization, or compatibility information needed forpairing. The pairing process may be interrupted if the devices losecontact with one another. The devices may exchange pairing informationprior to, during, only during, or after a time when the devices are inphysical contact.

Manner of Contact

The manner in which contact between the two devices is accomplished maybe applied to influence the pairing process, as previously described.

Authentication/Authorization

The pairing process, and the extent of pairing effected, may involveauthentication and/or authorization of a user of the device or devices,and/or the devices themselves, as previously discussed. For example,identification of one or both of the devices, or identification of auser of one or both of the devices, and/or characteristics thereof, maybe involved in the pairing process.

The extent to which the devices are paired may be influenced by variousfactors, as previously discussed. Pairing may result in access to agreater number and/or different functions of one or both devices thanwould be available if the devices were paired without physical contact.Pairing may result in access to functions and/or features of one or bothdevices the extent of which varies according to the manner and/or pointof physical contact between the devices.

Feedback

Feedback may be provided during the pairing process, as previouslydiscussed.

User Input

User input to the pairing process may be provided, as previouslydiscussed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing.

Overview of FIG. 3

A device 302 includes a display 322 that may be used, among otherthings, to provide a menu 324 of options. The device includes amicrophone 318 which may be used to detect sound (such as tapping)and/or voice input. The device includes a keypad 323. The deviceincludes two parts which may be used to provide user feedback, a speaker319 and a LED 320. The device includes two contact sensors 326 and 327.The device also includes various logic elements which may operate toeffect device pairing. Of course, the device may include additionalelements that are not shown here and which are superfluous to thisdiscussion.

Logic of the device includes pairing process management logic 304,contact processing logic 305, wireless communication logic 306,proximity and motion logic 307, user input logic 308, speech processinglogic 309, biometric processing logic 310, logic 311 to interact with adevice or devices other that the two pairing devices, authenticationlogic 312, and authorization logic 313.

An antenna 329 enables the device to engage in wireless communication.

Not all embodiments of the device 302 will include all of theillustrated logic. For example, if a device 302 did not have a speaker319 or microphone 318 and performed no audible inputs or outputs, itwould not need and probably would not have speech processing logic 309.If a device had no biometric input it would not need and probably wouldnot have biometric processing logic 310. And so on.

Device Contact

The device 302 may include at least one contact sensor 326 327, andlogic to effect pairing 304 with another device upon activation of thecontact sensor 326 327.

The device 302 may include logic 305 to enable the device 302 toexchange with the other device information needed for pairing via thephysical contact points 326 327. The device 302 may include logic tointerrupt the pairing process if contact is broken. The device 302 mayinclude logic to enable the device to wirelessly exchange with anotherdevice information needed for pairing only during activation of thecontact sensor. The device 302 may include logic to detect temperatureat the contact point or points, and/or conductivity at the contact pointor points, as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the deviceand the other device should proceed.

Communication with Other Devices

The device 302 may include logic 311 to communicate wirelessly with atleast one device different than its pairing partner device to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing. Such a third device may include anetwork access point, or a proximate laptop, desktop, or handheldcomputing device, among other things.

The device 302 may include logic 305 to enable the device 302 tocommunicate information needed for pairing via the physical contactpoints 326 327. The device 302 may include logic 306 to enable wirelesscommunication of information needed for pairing.

Device User Input

The device 302 may include logic 308 to await user input as a result ofactivation of the contact sensor(s) 326 327, such as authenticationinformation for the user from a keypad, voice input, the display 120, orbiometric input.

Device Authorization/Authentication

The device 302 may include logic to interpret activation of the contactsensors 326 327 as an indication to initiate exchange with the otherdevice of at least some of authentication, authorization, orcompatibility information needed for pairing. The device 302 may includelogic 312 313 to authenticate and/or authorize pairing with the otherdevice. The device 302 may include logic to switch from one pairingpartner to another as a result of activation of the contact sensors 326327. The device 302 may include logic to establish a secure channel forcommunication of pairing information.

The device 302 may include logic to authorize an extent of pairing ofthe device and the other device, such as paired access to a greaternumber and/or different functions and/or features of one or both devicesthan would be available if the devices were paired without physicalcontact.

The device 302 may include logic to authorize paired access the extentof which varies according to the manner and/or point of physical contactbetween the devices. The device 302 may include logic to authorize thata person using one or both devices is authorized to do so, and/or towhat extent.

Device Feedback

The device 302 may include feedback logic (e.g. speaker 319, LED 320 andoperation logic 314 there for) to provide one or more audible and/orvisual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing of the device and the other device, such as lights, tones,vibrations, sounds, or display indications. The device 302 may includeat least one menu 324 of pairing options. The device 302 may includelogic to provide an indication that a user should provide input to thepairing process.

The device 302 may include at least one of logic to provide anindication that pairing was successful, unsuccessful due to insufficientavailable information, to indicate that pairing between the devices isavailable, or to indicate that pairing is in process.

The device 302 may include logic to provide an indication that the usershould provide at least one of a password, spoken input, biometricinput, or information from a card and/or memory device.

Device Manner of Contact

The device 302 may include contact processing logic 305 to ascertain amanner in which contact between devices is accomplished, such asrotation, angle of incidence, or relative lateral motion between thedevice 302 and the other device, either before and/or after contact,and/or during contact at the contact point or points. The device 302 mayinclude logic to detect a duration of contact and to interpret theduration of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe device 302 and the other device should proceed.

The device 302 may include logic to detect multiple instances of contactand to interpret the multiple instances of contact as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the device 302 and the other device shouldproceed. The device 302 may include logic to detect an intensity ofcontact and to interpret the intensity of contact as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the device 302 and the other device shouldproceed, such as logic to detect at least one of an average contactforce, a peak contact force, or force gradient.

Device Proximity

The device 302 may include logic 307 to detect proximity, and/orincreasing proximity with another device and to interpret activation ofthe contact sensor, in conjunction with proximity and/or recentlydetected increasing proximity with the other device, as an indicationthat pairing with the other device should be attempted.

The device 302 may include logic 306 to enable the device to wirelesslyexchange with the other device information needed for pairing, uponapproaching or becoming proximate with the other device, but prior toactivation of the contact sensor 326 327, and logic to interpretactivation of the contact sensor 326 327 as an indication that theinformation should be applied to complete the pairing process.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement.

Overview of FIG. 1A

A device 102A includes a microphone 106A, a speaker 107A, a LED 108A, anantenna 115A and a contact area 110A. There may be more than one contactarea 110A. The contact area 110A may be incorporated in a complex devicepart such as a touch sensitive screen incorporating other functions suchas display. The contact area 110A or areas may be any part of the device102A which may be touched by an individual 128A to effect pairing withanother device 104A.

The microphone 106A may be used for audible input to the device 102A andmay not be present in all embodiments. Audible input may include soundssuch as tapping or voice input such as whistling or speaking Voice inputmay be processed into words and/or phrases, and/or it may be processedas a sound pattern (e.g. a voice print). Voice input may be used, atleast in part, as a biometric for individual identification.

The speaker 107A and LED 108A may be used for audible and visualinformation conveyed from the device 102A. Information conveyed from thedevice 102A may include requests that an individual perform an action,and/or feedback on the condition of some operation the device 102A mayhave performed or may be performing (such as pairing). The speaker 107Aand/or LED 108A may not be present in all embodiments. Other mechanismsof communicating information such as a buzzer, display, tactile surfacemay be present additionally or instead of the speaker 107A and/or LED108A.

Feedback may be communicated to the user in various ways, such as thosedescribed above using speakers, LEDs, other device outputs, or via someother proximate device such as device 122A.

The device 102A may include an antenna 115A for wireless communicationwith other devices. The device 102A may include other features such as ascanner, a camera, or cellular telephone capabilities.

Examples of devices 102A and 104A include a medallion or wearablejewelry, headphones, a telephone and/or telephone base station, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) incorporating a display, a camera, akeyboard, a scanner, a cellular telephone, and many others. Laptop andpalmtop computers are also possibilities.

A second device 104A includes an antenna 116A, contact areas 111A and113A, logic 118A, and a display 120A. The antenna 116A enables wirelesscommunication between the device 104A and other devices.

The device 104A may have a single contact area, or, as shown, two ormore contact areas 111A, 113A. The contact area of areas 111A, 113A maybe any part of the device 104A which may be touched by an individual128A to effect pairing.

The device 104A need not include a display 120A, although a display mayprove useful for certain aspects of the pairing process. The display120A could be part of the first device 102A, or some other device suchas device 122A.

The logic 118A operates to effect techniques of the device pairingarrangement and acts for pairing devices 102A and 104A. The logic 118Amay exist on the first device 102A, the second device 104A, or in parton both devices 102A and 104A. The logic 118A may exist, at least inpart, on other devices, such as devices 122A and/or 124A. The devices122A and 124A may comprise a proximate laptop, a desktop, or othercomputing device, and/or supporting network and communication equipment.

The display 120A may be used to provide information to an individual orindividuals such as the person or persons touching the devices 102A,104A. In some embodiments, other mechanisms of communicating informationsuch as an LED, buzzer, or speaker may be present additionally orinstead of the display 120A on either or both of devices 102A and 104A,and/or a proximate device such as 122A.

The devices 102A and/or 104A may include other features not describedherein. The devices 102A and/or 104A may include a laptop, desktop,tower, or server computer attached via wireless or wired communicationsto an Intranet and/or the Internet and providing, for example, asophisticated application such as a medical patient monitoring stationor machine control application for a machine tool.

The logic 118A for devices 104A and/or 102A may include a capability torecognize that the device 102A and/or 104A is being touched by a personas versus an inanimate object. The capability to recognize that thedevice 102A, 104A is being touched by a person may include a capabilityto identify or otherwise authenticate the touching individual throughthe contact point 110A 111A or 113A. In some embodiments, one or both ofdevices 102A, 104A may not need to or have the capability of recognizingthat a person is directly performing the touching. For example, a personmight touch one device 102A using a finger and the other 104A using apointer, and thus initiate pairing.

The device pairing arrangement may also include additional devices, suchas devices 122A, 123A, and 124A. Various data, logic, resources, andcapabilities, including information and logic, to accomplish the pairingprocess may be provided by these other devices 122A, 123A, and 124A. Thedevices 102A and/or 104A to pair may communicate with one or more of thedevices 122A-124A using wireless or other types of communication duringthe pairing process.

By way of example, the device 123A may provide a network access pointfor a wired and/or wireless network. Thus, for example, the device 123Amay include an antenna 125A. The antenna 125A may enable one or both ofdevices 102A,104A to communicate via a network with other devices, suchas device 124A, located remotely from device 102A,104A. Suchcommunication may enable devices 102A and/or 104A to receive additionalinformation from device 124A that may assist in the pairing process.Some of the logic 118A used to effectuate pairing including even in somecases the decision to pair may be embodied in a remote device or devices124A.

Pairing

The device pairing arrangement includes a first device 102A, a seconddevice 104A, and logic 118A to effect pairing of devices 102A,104A upondetection that touching of both devices 102A,104A has occurred. Somefunctions of the logic 118A will be exercised at various times invarious embodiments. For example, when devices 102A and 104A possesswireless capabilities, they may exchange some information prior totouching as well as potentially during and/or after. However, pairingwill only occur if both devices 102A and 104A have been touched.

Pairing involves cooperative operation of the two devices 102A,104A,generally involving communication between the devices 102A,104A.Effecting pairing may involve actions such as identifying either one orboth devices 102A,104A or one or more device characteristics, features,and/or functions; identifying (authenticating) the person or somecharacteristic of the person using the devices 102A,104A; authorizingthe pairing and/or to what extent; and configuring one or both of thedevices 102A,104A with settings and information to facilitate pairedoperation.

Effectuating pairing involves communication of information. Informationmay be communicated in various ways, including using the contact points110A and 111A or 113A, wirelessly, or using some wired communicationmethod, or combinations thereof. An example of communicating informationvia a contact point 111A would be the use of a pen or ring havingcommunication capabilities to touch device 104A. The touching might,along with a touch of the first device 102A, effect the initiation ofpairing and during the same contact the pen device might communicateinformation about the identity of the touching individual 128A to device104A which would be used for authentication by the logic 118A. As asecond example, a person might touch a contact point 110A on device 102Ausing a cable. The person might then touch a contact point 113A ondevice 104A using the other end of the cable. Devices 102A and 104Amight then communicate to effect pairing using their contact points 110Aand 113A. After pairing is effected, they might continue to communicatebut in some other manner, such as wirelessly. The use of a special cableto effect pairing may also act as an authentication/authorizationmechanisms as individuals not possessing the cable would be unable toeffect pairing.

Information to facilitate pairing may be communicated between the twodevices 102A,104A, or almost entirely from one device to another. Forexample, device 102A may consist of a medallion or ring with containingstored value (similar in concept to a prepaid phone card) which is usedprimarily to accomplish a commercial transaction. After device 102A istouched at its contact point 110A, device 102A may use its antenna 115Ato pass information about the stored value to device 104A. Device 104Amay then perform many, most, or all actions involved necessary toestablish pairing, such as identifying the commercial transaction anddeciding if it may be accomplished. (The user may be interacting througha touch screen display 120A or keyboard or verbally with device 104Aduring this period.). Device 104A may then initiate pairing. While thetwo devices are paired, device 104A may pass information about thecommercial transaction back to device 102A.

The information exchanged, and the direction of such exchange, may varyas pairing proceeds. For example, the device 102A might pass informationabout a desired common purpose to the device 104A, along withcapabilities of the device 102A. The device 104A may determine if it issuitable to provide the common service with device 102A, and notifydevice 102A of this decision. The device 102A may then pass informationauthenticating the person using it to the device 104A. And so on.

Sometimes, effectuation of pairing may at times require an individual toprovide an input to one or both of the devices 102A,104A, or to performan action. For example, the user of the device 102A and/or 104A may haveto enter a password or provide a biometric input before pairing will beaccomplished. The user may have to speak his or her name, to bevalidated biometrically. The individual may have to present a finger toa scanner for biometric fingerprint identification. In some situations,the contact point such as 110A may also have biometric capability. Forexample, the contact point 110A might have fingerprint scanningcapability.

Effectuation of pairing may in some instances involve access toinformation and processing capability external to the two pairingdevices 102A,104A. For example, if an individual provides a biometricinput to device 102A, it might use the antenna 115A to communicate thefingerprint information wirelessly to device 123A via the antenna 126A.Device 123A might then provide the fingerprint information, via anetwork, to device 124A for authentication and authorization of theuser's permission to pair device 104A with device 102A.

The information needed to effect pairing may be passed using a varietyof physical medium. Some or all of the information needed to effectpairing may be communicated through the contact point of the two devices102A,104A as in the examples of the touching pen and the touching cableprovided above. Some or all of the information needed to effect pairingmay be communicated using a wireless capability of either or bothdevices 102A,104A. Either or both of devices 102A,104A may implementwired or wireless network connectivity, so that some or all of theinformation needed to effect pairing may be communicated to one or bothdevices via a communication network.

One or both devices 102A,104A may be paired with some other device (notshown) at the time the devices 102A,104A are touched. Depending on thecircumstances, the original pairing or pairings may be terminated, and apairing between the devices 102A,104A effected. Or, a second pairing mayoccur between devices 102A,104A and one or more original pairings maycontinue. In some circumstances, when the two devices 102A,104A aretouched, pairing may be rejected if one or both devices 102A,104A arealready paired.

Contact

The system may include a first device 102A, a second device 104A, andlogic 118A to effect pairing of the first 102A and second devices 104Aupon activation of contact sensors 110A and 111A or 113A of both devices102A and 104A. The logic 118A may operate to interpret touching, e.g.activation of the contact sensors, of one or both devices 102A and/or104A as an indication to initiate exchange between the devices 102A,104Aof at least some of authentication, authorization, compatibility and/orconfiguration information needed for pairing. Under these circumstances,this information may be passed during or after touching has occurred.Again, although the logic 118A is illustrated with respect to device104A, the logic may in fact exist wholly or in part in various elementsof the system, including devices 102A, 122A, and 124A, or any otherdevice of the system.

The logic 118A may operate to interpret recognition of touching as aconfirmation that pairing is to occur. Some of the information needed toeffect pairing may be communicated prior to the time of contact. Forexample, the devices 102A,104A may both have antennas 115A 116Asupporting wireless communication and may pass some pairing informationwhen in proximity but before making contact. More communication toeffect pairing may then occur, as necessary, after the two devices 102Aand 104A have been touched.

The logic 118A may include logic to enable the devices 102A,104A toobtain pairing information, at least in part, via the physical contactpoint 110A, 111A or 113A. The logic 118A may touching of both devices102A and 104A to be simultaneous in order to effect pairing. The logic118A may provide for interrupting or ending the pairing process ifcontact with one or both devices 102A, 104A is broken. The logic 118Amay provide for enabling the devices 102A and 104A to wirelesslyexchange information needed for pairing only during activation of thecontact sensors 110A and 111A or 113A of both devices 102A, 104A.

Manner of Contact

The system may include logic 118A to ascertain a manner in which contactwith one or both devices 102A, 104A is accomplished. By identifying amanner of contact, other information is provided by the contact beyondthe fact of contact. The additional information may be used to determinethat pairing is, in fact, intended. For example, pairing might berecognized as intended if each device is touched for at least somenumber of seconds.

The additional information obtained from the manner of pairing may beused during pairing effectuation. For example, the additionalinformation may act to authenticate (identify) and/or authorize a userof the device(s) 102A,104A. For example, moving the touching finger 128Avertically up and down three times could act to authorize pairing. Theadditional information may act to identify how to proceed with pairing,e.g. in what manner and/or to what extent to pair the devices. Forexample, touching and, at the same time, rotating the device 102Aclockwise could indicate that pairing should occur between a headset anda telephone base, with connection to the office. Counterclockwiserotation could mean pairing between the headset and the base, with aconnection to a relative's home.

The system may include logic 118A to determine which contact area (suchas 111A or 113A) or areas are being touched.

The system may include logic 118A to ascertain relative motion betweenone or both devices 102A and/or 104A, and/or a finger or fingerscontacting one or both devices 102A, 104A. The system may include logic118A to ascertain at least one of rotation, angle of incidence, orrelative lateral and/or circular motion between the devices 102A and104A and/or the fingers and one or both devices 102A, 104A. Determiningrelative lateral motion may include logic to recognize that the finger128A which has touched the device 104A is moving across one or more ofthe contact points 111A or 113A, how fast, and/or in what relativedirection.

The system may include logic 118A to determine the orientation of onedevice 102A with respect to the touching instrument at the time ofcontact. For example, logic 118A may determine that the long axis ofdevice 102A is oriented horizontally with respect to the long axis ofthe touching finger 128A. Determining the orientation of one device 102Awith respect to a touching instrument may include determining theorientation of one contact area 110A on device 102A with respect to thetouching instrument such as a touching finger 128A.

The logic 118A may operate to detect duration of contact with one orboth devices 102A and/or 104A. The logic 118A may operate to detectmultiple instances of contact for one device or both 102A and/or 104A.For example, a user 128A touching the device 102A may tap it on thecontact area 110A a number of times to indicate that pairing is wantedand authorized to some particular second device 104A. The logic 118A mayoperate to detect an intensity of contact for one device or both 102Aand/or 104A, for example, to detect at least one of an average contactforce, a peak contact force, or force gradient.

All manner of touching information gained may be used when to effect apairing, to identify the intent to pair, to identify the purpose andextent of pairing, to authenticate/authorize, and to configure, or toprovide any other information needed to accomplish pairing.

Relative Motion Before or After Contact

The logic 118A may operate to ascertain relative motion between thedevices 102A,104A prior to or after contact. Information about relativemotion may be applied for various purposes, including authenticationand/or authorization. For example, the user may be required to swing thedevice 102A to and fro when proximate to the device 104A within acertain number of seconds of touching in order for the pairing to beauthorized. Ascertaining relative motion prior to or after contact mayinclude use of the wireless capabilities of the devices 102A,104A.

Authorization/Authentication

The system may include logic 118A to authenticate and/or authorizepairing between the devices 102A,104A. Authenticating and/or authorizingthe pairing may include identifying one or both devices 102A,104A and/oridentifying at least one device characteristic for one or both devices102A,104A, such as determining whether the devices 102A,104A aresuitable for use for the purpose required and that they 102A,104A arecompatible for pairing to accomplish that purpose. For example, pairingmay have been initiated with a goal of accomplishing a commercialtransaction requiring secure communication. Both devices 102A,104A mayhave a device characteristic of supporting one or more varieties ofencryption. However, they 102A,104A may support only DES encryption incommon. The recognition that the devices 102A,104A are compatible andthat DES encryption should be employed may occur as a result of theinformation exchanged during the pairing effectuation process. Thesystem may include logic to authorize that a person using one or bothdevices 102A and 104A is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent.Authenticating and/or authorizing pairing may include identifying theuser who is touching one or both of the devices 102A or 104A and/oridentifying at least one characteristic of the user. For example, theuser may be a member of a group, department, or organization, such as acomputer network administrator with broad access privileges.

The system may include logic 118A to interpret activation of the contactsensors 110A 111A and/or 113A of one or both devices 102A and/or 104A asan indication to initiate exchange between the devices 102A and 104A ofat least some of authentication, authorization, or compatibilityinformation needed for pairing. The system may include logic 118A tointerpret signals indicating that the devices 102A and 104A have beentouched as an indication that the authentication, authorization, orcompatibility information (which may have been obtained in communicationoccurring prior to touching) should be applied to complete pairing.

The system may include logic to authorize an extent of pairing of thedevices 102A,104A. By extent of pairing it is meant authorization ofwhich functions and how extensively certain functions can be performedwhile the devices 102A,104A are paired. Authorization of an extent ofpairing may be based, at least in part, on the identity or at least onecharacteristic of the user. Authorization of an extent of pairing may bebased, at least in part, on the identity of the devices 102A,104A ordevice characteristics or state.

Authorization of an extent of pairing may be based, at least in part, onthe manner of touching and/or point of physical contact 110A 111A 113Abetween the two devices 102A,104A. The system may include logic 118A toauthorize paired access the extent of which varies according to anamount of area touched on one or both devices 102A,104A. The system mayinclude logic 118A to determine an extent of pairing based at least inpart upon which device 102A or 104A is touched first. Authorization maybe provided for a greater number and/or different functions and/orfeatures of one or both devices 102A,104A than would be available if thedevices 102A and 104A were paired without touching.

Authorization of an extent of pairing may be based, at least in part, ontime of day or physical location.

The system may include logic 118A to establish a secure channel betweenthe devices 102A and 104A for communication of pairing information.Establishment of a secure channel may particularly be used tocommunicate authentication/authorization information. Establishment of asecure channel may depend on the purpose for which pairing is beingestablished and the capabilities of the devices 102A,104A. In some casesthe secure channel established during pairing effectuation will also beused after the devices 102A,104A are paired for continuing devicecommunications. In some cases the devices 102A,104A will reestablishcommunications, if needed, when pairing actually occurs, using the sameor different physical mechanisms.

System Feedback

The system may include logic 118A to provide one or more audible and/orvisual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing of the devices 102A and 104A. The system may include logic 118Ato provide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations,sounds, or display indications. Tactile, vibration, or other feedbackmay be provided through the contact point(s) 110A 111A 113A for one orboth devices 102A,104A. The device 102A may include feedbackcapabilities such as a speaker 107A and/or LED 108A. The device 104A isshown as including a display 120A for feedback purposes, among otherthings.

The system may include logic 118A to provide a first indication when thefirst device 102A is touched, and logic 118A to provide a secondindication when the second device 104A is touched.

Providing feedback may include providing at least one menu of pairingoptions, such as might be presented on a display 120A or by the speaker107A.

Providing feedback may include providing an indication that a usershould provide input to the pairing process. Such inputs could includespeech, keyboard entry, pressing a switch, performing a scan, or takingan action or actions involving the contact points 110A 111A 113A of thedevices 102A,104A. The feedback may indicate that the user shouldprovide at least one of a password, spoken input, biometric input, orinformation from a card and/or memory device.

The system may include at least one of logic 118A to provide anindication that pairing was successful, unsuccessful due to insufficientavailable information, to indicate that pairing between the devices 102Aand 104A is available, or to indicate that pairing is in process.

System Communication with Other Devices

The system may include logic 118A to communicate wirelessly or in someother manner with at least one device 122A 124A different than the twodevices 102A,104A being paired, in order to obtain information needed toeffect pairing between the devices 102A,104A. The other device ordevices 122A 124A may be physically near (same or close room or samebuilding) or remotely located with respect to the location of thepairing devices 102A,104A. The other device or devices 122A 124A may beaccessed wirelessly, or via a network such as an intranet or theInternet.

The system may include at least one proximate desktop, laptop, orhandheld computing device which may be used, at least in part, to effectpairing.

System User Input

The system may include logic 118A to await user input as a result ofactivation of one or more of the contact sensors 110A 111A 113A on oneor both devices 102A,104A. The system may include logic 118A to awaitauthentication information for the user. The system may include logic toawait at least one of input from a keypad, voice input, or biometricinput. The system may await actions to be taken by the user, such astouching for a certain approximate duration of time, touching multipletimes in a pattern, or touching one of the devices 104A at a differentcontact point 113A or 111A from the original touch, or other actions.

Proximity Between Devices

The logic 118A may operate to detect increasing proximity between thedevices 102A,104A and to interpret activation of one or both of thecontact sensors 110A 111A 113A, in conjunction with recently detectedincreasing proximity between the devices 102A and 104A, as an indicationthat pairing of the devices 102A and 104A should be effected.

The system may include logic 118A to enable the devices 102A and 104A towirelessly exchange information needed for pairing, upon the devices102A and 104A approaching or becoming proximate with one another, butprior to activation of contact sensors 110A 111A 113A of one or bothdevices 102A and/or 104A, and logic 118A to interpret activation of thecontact sensors 110A 111A 113A of one or both devices 102A and/or 104Aas an indication that the information should be applied to complete thepairing process.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method.

Overview of FIG. 2A

At 202A, the devices are recognized as proximate. This may take place,for example, in situations where the devices communicate prior to beingtouched. At 204A, one or both devices detect that they have beentouched, e.g., that their contact sensors 110A 111A 113A have beenactivated. Information about the manner of touching may be analyzed. At206A, information is exchanged between the two devices to effectpairing. As was previously noted, some or possibly all of thisinformation may have been exchanged earlier in situations where thedevices were communicating with each other prior to the touching. At208A, information obtained prior to, during, or after contact is appliedto authenticate and/or authorize the pairing of the devices. At 210A,feedback is provided to the user and user input obtained. Feedback anduser input may occur as a part of the authentication and authorizationprocess 20A8, or for other reasons. At 212A, the pairing effectuationprocess is complete.

Proximity

The method may include wirelessly exchanging information needed forpairing between the devices, upon the devices becoming proximate withone another, but prior to contact with the devices, and interpretingcontact with the devices as an indication to complete pairing of thedevices. Activation of one or more contact sensors, in conjunction withrecently detected increasing proximity between the devices, may providean indication that pairing of the devices should be attempted.Information for pairing the devices may be exchanged wirelessly, uponthe devices becoming proximate with one another, but prior to activationof one or more contact sensors, and activation of the one or morecontact sensors may provide an indication to complete pairing of thedevices. In some cases, the pairing effectuation process may begin onactivation of one contact sensor and information may be exchanged, butpairing is not completed until it is confirmed by actuation of anothercontact sensor on the other device.

Although in many embodiments the same individual may touch both devices,and they may therefore likely be proximate at the time of touching; insome cases two different individuals may be doing the touching, one foreach device. In that situation the devices may be situated further apartat the time of touching. These devices may communicate wirelessly orthrough a wired network to effect pairing.

Relative Motion/Rotation/Angle Before During or After Contact

Relative motion between the devices may be applied to influence thepairing process, and/or the extent of pairing undertaken. The method mayinclude ascertaining relative motion between the devices. The method mayinclude ascertaining at least one of rotation, relative angle, orrelative lateral motion of the devices. The method may include use ofthe wireless communications capabilities of the devices to determinerelative motion.

Contact

The method may include detecting physical contact of a person with afirst device and with a second device, and effecting pairing between thefirst and second device as a result of detecting the physical contact ofthe person with the first and second devices. Contact may result ininitiating an exchange between the devices of at least some ofauthentication, authorization, or compatibility information needed forpairing. The devices may exchange pairing information prior to, during,only during, or after a time when the devices are one or both beingtouched.

The method may include effecting pairing between devices upon detectionof simultaneous physical contact with both devices by the person.

The method may include detecting contact with the first device, followedby contact with the second device, as an indication that pairing of thedevices should be effected.

The method may include the devices exchanging information needed forpairing via points where the devices are touched. A previous examplediscussed information exchange via the contact points using a cable.

The method may include interrupting the pairing process if contact islost with one or both of the devices.

The method may include the devices wirelessly exchanging pairinginformation only during a time when contact is made with one or both ofthe devices. This may occur naturally, if, for example, touching iseffected by a cable through which the pairing information is exchanged.It may also be designed to ensure that touching did not occur for somereason other than effecting pairing.

Manner of Contact

The method may include ascertaining a manner in which contact with oneor both devices is accomplished. The information gained may be used forany purpose during pairing effectuation, but will frequently be appliedfor authentication and/or authorization.

The method may include ascertaining the manner is which one or morefingers touch one or both devices.

The method may include ascertaining at least one of rotation, angle ofapproach, or relative lateral motion of one or more fingers at one orpoints of contact with one or more of the devices.

The method may include interpreting a duration of contact with one orboth devices as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thedevices should proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include interpreting multiple instances of contact withone or both devices as an indication of how and/or whether pairing ofthe devices should proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include interpreting the intensity of contact with one orboth devices as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thedevices should proceed and/or be accomplished.

The method may include interpreting at least one of an average contactforce, a peak contact force, or force gradient as the indication of howand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed and/or beaccomplished.

Authorization/Authentication

The pairing process, and the extent of pairing effected, may involveauthentication and/or authorization of a user of the device or devices,and/or the devices themselves, as previously discussed. For example,identification of one or both of the devices, or identification of auser of one or both of the devices, and/or characteristics thereof, maybe involved in the pairing process.

The method may include touching a first of the devices initiatingexchange between the devices of at least some of authentication,authorization, or compatibility information needed for pairing.

The method may include the devices communicating wirelessly to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing with one another.

The method may include authorizing an extent of pairing of the devicesaccording to at least one of identification of one or both of thedevices, or identification of a user of one or both of the devices.

The method may include authorizing access to a greater number and/ordifferent functions of one or both devices than would be available ifthe devices were paired without contact taking place to one or bothdevices.

The method may include authorizing access to functions and/or featuresof one or both devices to an extent of which varies according to themanner and/or point of contact with one or both devices.

The method may include authorizing that the user may use one or bothdevices, and/or to what extent.

Feedback

In many instances, the system user will need to know how the process toeffect pairing is proceeding. The method may include providing one ormore audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progressand/or results of pairing of the devices.

User Input

The method may include prompting for user input as a result of contactoccurring with one or both devices. The method may include providing anindication that the user should provide at least one of input from akeypad, voice input, or biometric input. The method may includeprompting for authentication information for the user.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing.

Overview of FIG. 3A

A device 302A includes a display 322A that may be used, among otherthings, to provide a menu 324A of options. The device 302A includes amicrophone 318A which may be used to detect sound (such as tapping)and/or voice input. The device 302A includes a keypad 323A. The device302A includes two parts which may be used to provide user feedback, aspeaker 319A and a LED 320A. The device 302A includes two contactsensors 326A and 327A. The device 302A also includes various logicelements which may operate to effect device pairing. Of course, thedevice 302A may include additional elements that are not shown here andwhich are superfluous to this discussion.

Device logic includes pairing process management logic 304A, contactprocessing logic 305A, wireless communication logic 306A, proximity andmotion logic 307A, user input logic 308A, speech processing logic 309A,biometric processing logic 310A, third device interface logic 311A tointeract with a device or devices other that the two pairing devices,authentication logic 312A, authorization logic 313A, and feedback logic314A.

An antenna 329A enables the device 302A to engage in wirelesscommunication.

Not all embodiments of the device 302A will include all of theillustrated logic. For example, if a device 302A did not have a speaker319A or microphone 318A and performed no audible inputs or outputs, itwould not need and probably would not have speech processing logic 309A.If a device 302A had no biometric input it would not need and probablywould not have biometric processing logic 310A. And so on.

Device Contact

The device 302A may include at least one contact sensor 326A or 327A,and logic to cause the device 302A to, upon activation of the contactsensor 326A or 327A, wait for a signal from another device indicatingthat the other device has been touched, and upon receiving the signal,undertaking pairing with the other device.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to cause the device 302A, uponactivation of the contact sensor 326A or 327A, to wait for a limitedamount of time for the signal indicating that the other device has beentouched, and if such signal is not received within the limited amount oftime, to cause the device 302A to stop waiting for the signal.

The device 302A may include one or more one touch-sensitive areas,temperature-sensitive areas, or conductivity-sensitive areas which mayact as contact sensors 326A or 327A.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to enable the device 302A toexchange with the other device information needed for pairing viaphysical contact points 326A or 327A of the device 302A and otherdevice.

The device 302A may include logic 304A and 305A to interrupt the pairingprocess if contact with the device or other device is broken.

The device 302A may include logic 306A to enable the device 302A towirelessly exchange with the other device information needed for pairingonly during activation of its 302A contact sensor 326A or 327A, or onlyduring activation of its 302A contact sensor 326A and 327A and afterreceiving the signal indicating that the other device has been touched.

Device Manner of Contact

The device 302A may include logic 305A to ascertain a manner in whichcontact with the device 302A is accomplished. Ascertaining manner ofcontact provides additional information that may be used while pairingis being effected, most often, authentication/authorization information.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to ascertain relative motionbetween the device 302A and a finger or other touching instrument thatis touching the device 302A.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to ascertain at least one ofrotation, angle of incidence, or relative lateral and/or circular motionbetween the device 302A and the touching instrument.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to detect a duration of contact.The logic 305A may interpret the duration of contact as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the device 302A and the other deviceshould proceed.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to detect multiple instances ofcontact. The logic 305A may interpret the multiple instances of contactas an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the device 302A andthe other device should proceed.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to detect an intensity ofcontact. The logic 305A may interpret the intensity of contact as anindication of how and/or whether pairing of the device 302A and theother device should proceed.

The device 302A may include logic 305A to detect at least one of anaverage contact force, a peak contact force, or force gradient.

Device Authentication/Authorization

The device 302A may include logic 304A to interpret activation of atleast one of the contact sensors 326A 327A as an indication to initiateexchange with the other device of at least some of authentication,authorization, or compatibility information needed for pairing, and tointerpret the signal indicating that the other device has been touchedas an indication that the authentication, authorization, orcompatibility information should be applied to complete pairing with theother device.

The device 302A may include logic to authenticate 312A and/or authorize313A pairing with the other device. The device 302A may include logic toestablish a secure channel for communication of pairing information,frequently including authentication and/or authorization information.

The device 302A may include logic to switch from one pairing partner toanother as a result of activation of the contact sensors 326A 327A.

The device 302A may include logic 313A to authorize an extent of pairingof the device and the other device.

The device 302A may include logic 313A to authorize paired access to agreater number and/or different functions of one or both devices thanwould be available if the devices were paired without each device beingtouched.

The device 302A may include logic 313A to authorize paired access theextent of which varies according to the manner and/or point of physicalcontact with the device 302A and/or the other device.

The device 302A may include logic 313A to authorize that a person usingone or both devices is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent.

The device 302A may include logic to determine an extent of pairingbased at least in part upon which device is touched first.

The device 302A may include logic 313A to authorize paired access theextent of which varies according to an amount of area touched on one orboth devices.

Device Feedback

The device 302A may include feedback (e.g. speaker 319A, LED 320A andfeedback operation logic 314A) to provide one or more audible and/orvisual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing. Logic 314A may provide for indications of at least one oflights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications. Logic 314Amay provide at least one menu 324A of pairing options. Logic 314A mayprovide an indication that a user should provide input to the pairingprocess.

The device 302A may include logic 314A to provide a first indicationwhen the first device 302A is touched, and logic 314A to provide asecond indication when the second device is touched.

The device 302A may include at least one of logic 314A to provide anindication that pairing was successful, unsuccessful due to insufficientavailable information, to indicate that pairing between the devices isavailable, or to indicate that pairing is in process.

The device 302A may include logic 314A to provide an indication that theuser should provide at least one of a password, spoken input, biometricinput, or information from a card and/or memory device.

Device Communication with Other Devices

The device 302A may include logic 311A to communicate wirelessly with atleast one device (a third device) different than the other device (itspairing partner) to obtain information needed to effect pairing with theother device. The device 302A may include logic 311A to communicateusing wired communication with at least one different device (the thirddevice). The third device or different devices may be proximate orlocated remotely over a network. The third device or different devicesmay include at least one proximate desktop, laptop, or handheldcomputing device.

Device User Input

The device 302A may include logic 308A to await user input as a resultof activation of the contact sensor 326A or 327A and, in somesituations, the signal indicating that the other device has been touchedThe device 302A may include logic 308A to await authenticationinformation for the user. The device 302A may include logic 308A toawait at least one of input from a keypad, voice input 309A, orbiometric input 310A.

Device Motion/Rotation/Angle

The device 302A may include logic to ascertain relative motion betweenthe device and the other device. The device 302A may include logic toascertain at least one of rotation of one device with respect to theother, angle between the devices, or relative lateral motion of thedevices.

Device Proximity

The device 302A may include logic 307A to detect proximity and/orincreasing proximity with the other device and to interpret activationof the contact sensor 326A or 327A, in conjunction with recentlydetected increasing proximity with the other device, as an indicationthat preparation to pair with the other device should be initiated.

The device 302A may include logic 306A to enable the device towirelessly exchange with the other device information needed forpairing, upon approaching or becoming proximate with the other device,but prior to activation of the contact sensor 326A or 327A, and logic tointerpret activation of the contact sensor 326A or 327A as an indicationthat the information should be applied to complete the pairing processupon receiving the signal indicating that the other device has beentouched.

Overview of FIG. 1B

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingarrangement. The system may include and/or involve a first device 102B,a second device 104B, and logic 118B to enable the first and seconddevices 102B and 104B to pair as a result of at least one sound.

The first device 102B includes a microphone 106B, a speaker 107B, a LED108B, and an antenna 115B. The microphone 106B is used for sound inputto the device 102B. Sound input may include sounds such as tapping orvoice input such as whistling or speaking Sound input of at least onesound may be generated by a second device 104B or another device (notshown). For example, an individual located remotely to the device 102Bmay use a speaker located in the room where device 102B is to effectpairing between the first device 102B and a second device 104B. Soundinput of at least one sound may be created by an individual 128B toeffect pairing. Sound input may be used, at least in part, to identifyone or both devices 102B and 104B, to enter commands, to provideauthentication information, and/or to provide authorization information.

Voice input may be processed into words and/or phrases, and/or it may beprocessed as a sound pattern (e.g. a voice print). Voice input may beused, at least in part, as a biometric for individual identification.

The speaker 107B and LED 108B may be used to convey audible and/orvisual information from the device 102B. Information conveyed from thedevice 102B may include requests that an individual perform an action,and/or feedback on the condition of some operation the device 102B mayhave performed or may be performing (e.g. a status of pairing). Thespeaker 107B and/or LED 108B may not be present in all embodiments.Other mechanisms of communicating information such as a buzzer, display,or tactile surface may be present additionally or instead of the speaker107B and/or LED 108B.

Feedback may be communicated to the user in various ways, such as thosedescribed above using speakers, LEDs, other device outputs, or via someother proximate device such as device 122B.

The device 102B may include an antenna 115B for wireless communicationwith other devices. The device 102B may include other features such as ascanner, a camera, or cellular telephone capabilities.

Examples of devices 102B and 104B include a medallion or wearablejewelry, headphones, a telephone and/or telephone base station, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) incorporating a display, a camera, akeyboard, a scanner, a cellular telephone, and many others. Laptop andpalmtop computers are also possibilities.

A second device 104B includes an antenna 116B, logic 118B, and a display120B, among other elements. The antenna 116B enables wirelesscommunication between the device 104B and other devices.

The device 104B need not include a display 120B, although a display mayprove useful for certain aspects of the pairing process. The display120B could be part of the first device 102B, or some other device suchas device 122B.

The logic 118B operates to effect techniques of the device pairingarrangement and acts for pairing devices 102B and 104B. The logic 118Bmay exist on the first device 102B, the second device 104B, or in parton both devices 102B and 104B. The logic 118B may exist, at least inpart, on other devices, such as devices 122B and/or 124B. The devices122B and 124B may comprise a proximate laptop, a desktop, or othercomputing device, and/or supporting network and communication equipment.

The logic 118B to enable the first and second devices 102B and 104B topair as a result of at least one sound may include and/or involve logicto recognize from sound an identification of at least one of the firstand second devices.

The logic 118B may also or alternatively include and/or involve logic toextract authentication information from the sound. It may beadvantageous, in certain implementations, to include and/or involvelogic to identify at least one purpose and/or function from the sound,and/or to identify from the sound at least one of the first and seconddevices 102B and 104B as providing at least one purpose and/or function.In certain implementations, logic may be present to compare informationof the sound with a biometric voice print.

The logic 118B may also or alternatively include and/or involve logic toextract from the sound both information to identify the first and/orsecond devices 102B and 104B and a biometric voice print. It may beadvantageous, in certain implementations, to include and/or involvelogic to analyze voice information. The logic to analyze voiceinformation may include and/or involve logic to identify words and/orphrases from the voice information. The logic to analyze voiceinformation may also or alternatively include and/or involve logic toidentify, from the voice information, an individual that is the sourceof the voice information.

The logic 118B may also or alternatively include and/or involve logic toidentify a type of the sound. It may be advantageous, in someimplementations, to include and/or involve logic to determine a leveland/or variation or at least one of volume, pitch, or tone of the sound.The logic to identify a type of the sound may include and/or involvelogic to identify at least one of a whistle, a click, a clap, a knock, asnap, a ring, or a tone.

The display 120B may be used to provide information to an individual orindividuals such as the person or persons touching the devices 102B,104B. In some embodiments, other mechanisms of communicating informationsuch as an LED, buzzer, or speaker may be present additionally orinstead of the display 120B on either or both of devices 102B and 104B,and/or a proximate device such as 122B.

The devices 102B and/or 104B may include other features not describedherein. The devices 102B and/or 104B may include a laptop, desktop,tower, or server computer attached via wireless or wired communicationsto an Intranet and/or the Internet and providing, for example, asophisticated application such as a medical patient monitoring stationor machine control application for a machine tool.

The device pairing arrangement may also include additional devices, suchas devices 122B, 123B, and 124B. Various data, logic, resources, andcapabilities, including information and logic, to accomplish the pairingprocess may be provided by these other devices 122B, 123B, and 124B. Thedevices 102B and/or 104B to pair may communicate with one or more of thedevices 122B-124B using wireless or other types of communication duringthe pairing process.

By way of example, the device 123B may provide a network access pointfor a wired and/or wireless network. Thus, for example, the device 123Bmay include an antenna 125B. The antenna 125B may enable one or both ofdevices 102B,104B to communicate via a network with other devices, suchas device 124B, located remotely from devices 102B,104B. Suchcommunication may enable devices 102B and/or 104B to receive additionalinformation from device 124B that may assist in the pairing process.Some of the logic 118B used to effectuate pairing including even in somecases the decision to pair may be embodied in a remote device or devices124B.

Pairing

The device pairing arrangement includes a first device 102B, a seconddevice 104B, and logic 118B to effect pairing of devices 102B,104B upondetection that a sound or sounds has been input to device 102B. Thesound may provide an indication that pairing should be effected. Herein,such sound or sounds may also be referred to as “pairing sound”.

Some functions of the logic 118B may be exercised at various times,depending on the implementation. For example, when devices 102B and 104Bpossess wireless capabilities, they may exchange some information priorto as well as potentially during and/or after the pairing sound isinput. In some embodiments, both device 102B and device 104B includelogic 118B to recognize the pairing sound. In some situations, devices102B and 104B may both recognize the pairing sound in order for pairingto be effected.

Effecting pairing may involve actions such as identifying either one orboth devices 102B,104B or one or more device characteristics, features,and/or functions; identifying (authenticating) the person or somecharacteristic of the person using the devices 102B,104B; authorizingthe pairing and/or to what extent; and configuring one or both of thedevices 102B,104B with settings and information to facilitate pairedoperation. In some embodiments, the devices 102B and 104B may receiveall information needed to effect pairing via microphones.

The two devices 102B and 104B may cooperate in order to effect pairing,such cooperation generally involving communication between the devices102B and 104B.

Effectuating pairing involves communication of information. Informationmay be communicated in various ways, including wirelessly, or using somewired communication method, or combinations thereof. The devices 102Band 104B may also communicate using sound. For example, if device 104has a speaker (not shown) it might communicate its functionalcapabilities and the authorization information it requires prior toallowing use of those capabilities to device 102B using its speaker.Device 102B may use its microphone 106B to receive the information.

Information to facilitate pairing may be communicated between the twodevices 102B,104B, or almost entirely from one device to another. Forexample, device 102B may consist of a medallion or ring with containingstored value (similar in concept to a prepaid phone card) which is usedprimarily to accomplish a commercial transaction. After a person speakscommands to device 102B indicating that it should pair with device 104Bin order to accomplish a purchase, device 102B may use its antenna 115Bto pass information about the stored value to device 104B. Device 104Bmay then perform many, most, or all actions involved necessary toestablish pairing, such as identifying the commercial transaction anddeciding if it may be accomplished. (The user may be interacting througha touch screen display 120B or keyboard or verbally with device 104Bduring this period.) Device 104B may then initiate pairing. While thetwo devices are paired, device 104B may pass information about thecommercial transaction back to device 102B.

The information exchanged, and the direction of such exchange, may varyas pairing proceeds. For example, the device 102B might pass informationabout a desired common purpose to the device 104B, along withinformation about its 102B capabilities. The device 104B may determineif it is suitable to provide the common service with device 102B, andnotify device 102B of this decision. The device 102B may then passinformation authenticating the person using it to the device 104B and soon.

At times, effectuation of pairing may require an individual to providean input to one or both of the devices 102B,104B, or to perform anaction. For example, the user of the device 102B and/or 104B may have toenter a password or provide a biometric input before pairing will beaccomplished. The user may have to speak his or her name, to bevalidated biometrically. The individual may have to present a finger toa scanner for biometric fingerprint identification.

Effectuation of pairing may in some instances involve access toinformation and processing capability external to the two pairingdevices 102B,104B. For example, if an individual provides a biometricfingerprint input to device 102B, it 102B may use the antenna 115B tocommunicate the fingerprint information wirelessly to device 123B viathe antenna 126B. Device 123B may then provide the fingerprintinformation, via a network, to device 124B for authentication andauthorization of the user's permission to pair device 104B with device102B.

The information needed to effect pairing may be passed using a varietyof physical medium. The devices 102B and 104B may communicate some orall of the information needed to effect pairing using microphones 106Band speakers 107B, as discussed in the example above. The devices 102Bor 104B may communicate using their wireless capabilities. Either orboth of devices 102B,104B may implement wired or wireless networkconnectivity, so that some or all of the information needed to effectpairing may be communicated to one or both devices via a communicationnetwork.

One or both devices 102B and 104B may be paired with some other device(not shown) at the time the pairing sound is recognized by device 102B.Depending on the circumstances, the original pairing or pairings may beterminated, and a pairing between the devices 102B and 104B effected.Or, a second pairing may occur between devices 102B and 104B and one ormore original pairings may continue. In some circumstances, when device102B recognizes the pairing sound, pairing may be rejected if one orboth devices 102B and 104B are already paired.

Proximity

The system may include and/or involve logic to detect proximity betweenthe devices 102B and 104B and to interpret at least one sound, inconjunction with proximity between the devices 102B and 104B, as anindication that pairing of the devices should be attempted.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to detect increasingproximity between the devices 102B and 104B and to interpret at leastone sound, in conjunction with recently detected increasing proximitybetween the devices 102B and 104B, as an indication that pairing of thedevices should be attempted.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to enable the devices102B and 104B to wirelessly exchange information needed for pairing,upon approaching or becoming proximate with one another, but prior toreceiving at least one sound, and logic 118B to interpret the at leastone sound as an indication that the information should be applied tocomplete the pairing process.

Authentication and Authorization

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to interpret thepairing sound as an indication to initiate exchange with the otherdevice 102B or 104B of at least some of authentication, authorization,or compatibility information needed for pairing.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to authenticate and/orauthorize pairing of the devices.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to establish a securechannel for communication of pairing information.

Authenticating and/or authorizing the pairing may include identifyingone or both devices 102B,104B and/or identifying at least one devicecharacteristic for one or both devices 102B,104B, such as determiningwhether the devices 102B,104B are suitable for use for the purposerequired and that they 102B,104B are compatible for pairing toaccomplish that purpose. For example, pairing may have been initiatedwith a goal of accomplishing a commercial transaction requiring securecommunication. Both devices 102B,104B may have a device characteristicof supporting one or more varieties of encryption. However, devices 102Band 104B may support only DES encryption in common. The recognition thatthe devices 102B and 104B are compatible and that DES encryption shouldbe employed may occur as a result of the information exchanged duringthe pairing effectuation process.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to authorize an extentof pairing of the devices 102B and 104B. The logic 118B to authorize anextent of pairing may include and/or involve logic to authorize pairedaccess to a greater number and/or different functions of one or bothdevices 102B and 104B than would be available if the devices 102B and104B were paired without application of the sound. The logic 118B toauthorize an extent of pairing may also or alternatively include and/orinvolve logic to authorize paired access the extent of which variesaccording to the nature of the sound.

For example, the device 102B may include a radio tuner and it might bepaired with either a sound system or a computer, or both simultaneously.All may be located in a dormitory common room. A student may issue avoice command to play a certain radio station using the sound system. Ifdevice 102B is not paired at the time that command is received, thepairing with the sound system may be effected and the station indicatedby the student may be played. However, when device 102B is paired withthe computer, a voice command to initiate playing of a radio stationusing the sound system may be accepted but the currently playing radiostation may be used, not the one indicated by the student. This would bea pairing of device 102B with both the sound system and the computer,enabling both to receive the radio input. If, on the other hand, thepairing sound (in this case actually sounds) includes a separate wordthat acts as a voice print to identify the user prior to the commandword, and the user is authorized, the pairing sound may act to break thepairing with the computer and effect pairing with the sound system. Thesound system would be provided the radio station input indicated by thecommand. This would assure that only responsible people, such asauthorized users of the computer, would be affecting inputs to thecomputer (i.e. the radio input).

As a second example, in a machine shop a machine operator may be able tocommunicate “hands free” with a device 102B to initiate pairing. Threewhistles of short duration may indicate pairing with device 104B usingprevious configuration information, whereas a whistle of long durationmay indicate pairing with device 104B and ask device 104B to receiveupdated configuration information over a network.

The logic 118B to authorize an extent of pairing may include and/orinvolve logic to authorize that a person using one or both devices 102Band 104B is authorized to do so, and/or to what extent. Authenticatingand/or authorizing pairing may include identifying the user who hascommunicated the pairing sound and/or identifying at least onecharacteristic of the user. For example, the user may be a member of agroup, department, or organization, such as a computer networkadministrator with broad access privileges.

Authorization of pairing, authorization of an extent of pairing, anddetermination of the need for secure communication during the effectingof pairing may be based, at least in part, on other factors such as timeof day or location. For example, device 102B and device 104B may effectpairing even though device 102B cannot support secure communications ifthey are in a certain location, such as a computer room, considered tobe secure. However, if device 102B cannot support secure communicationswith device 104B and the location of device 102B is considered insecure(such as an Internet café), the logic 118B to effect pairing may rejectpairing. In some cases, the user, by the nature of sound he provideswhen effecting pairing, may be able to override the decision of thelogic 118B not to allow insecure communication to effect pairing. Forexample, the user may provide a “secret sound” at the beginning or endof the sounds that initiate pairing, and use of the secret sound mayindicate “do it anyway”.

Feedback

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to provide one or moreaudible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/orresults of pairing of the devices 102B and 104B. The logic 118B toprovide indications on the progress and/or results of pairing mayinclude and/or involve logic to provide at least one presentation ofpairing options.

The logic 118B to provide indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing may include and/or involve logic to provide an indication that auser should provide input to the pairing process. Such inputs couldinclude speech, keyboard entry, pressing a switch, or performing a scan.The logic 118B to provide an indication that a user should provide inputto the pairing process may include and/or involve logic to indicate thatthe user should provide at least one of a password, spoken input,biometric input, a user selection of a pairing option, or informationfrom a card and/or memory device.

The logic 118B to provide indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing may also or alternatively include and/or involve logic toprovide at least one of one or more lights, tones, vibrations, sounds,or display indications.

The logic 118B to provide indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing may include and/or involve at least one of logic to provide anindication that pairing was successful, an indication that pairing wasunsuccessful due to insufficient available information, an indicationthat pairing between the devices 102B and 104B is available, or anindication that pairing is in process.

Factors Affecting Pairing

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to ascertain variousfactors that may affect the pairing process, such as relative motionbetween the devices. For example, the logic 118B may ascertain at leastone of rotation, angle of approach, or relative lateral motion betweenthe devices. Information about relative motion may be applied forvarious purposes, including authentication and/or authorization. Forexample, the user may be required to swing the device 102B, such as amedallion or cellular phone, to and fro during a time proximate to theissuing of the pairing sound. This may help ensure that the pairingsound is purposeful to initiate pairing.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to detect a duration ofthe sound and to interpret the duration of the sound as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed. The logic 118Bto detect sound duration may include logic to interpret sound durationinformation for authentication and/or authorization purposes.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to detect multiplesounds and to interpret the multiple sounds as an indication of howand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed. The logic 118B todetect multiple sounds may include logic to interpret multiple soundinformation for authentication and/or authorization purposes.

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to detect an intensityof sound and to interpret the intensity of sound as an indication of howand/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed. The logic 118B todetect sound intensity information may include logic to interpret soundintensity information for authentication and/or authorization purposes.The logic to detect an intensity of sound and to interpret the intensityof sound as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of the devicesshould proceed may include and/or involve logic to detect at least oneof an average volume, a peak volume, or a volume gradient.

Other Devices

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to communicate with atleast one device 122B or 124B different than the devices 102B and 104Bto be paired, to obtain information needed to effect pairing. The atleast one different device 122B or 124B may include and/or involve atleast one of a proximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computingdevice. A device or devices 122B and 124B remote from both of thepairing devices 102B and 104B may also be included or involved in theobtaining of information needed to effect pairing. The other device ordevices 122B and 124B may be accessed wirelessly, or using wiredcommunications. The other device or devices 122B and 124B may beaccessed using a network such as an intranet or the Internet.

User Input

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to await user input asa result of the pairing sound. The logic 118B to await user input as aresult of the pairing sound may include and/or involve logic to awaitauthentication information for the user. It may be advantageous, incertain implementations, for the logic 118B to await user input toinclude and/or involve logic to await at least one of input from akeypad, a voice input, a touch screen, or a biometric input.

Discontinuing Pairing

The system may include and/or involve logic 118B to terminate thepairing of the devices 102B and 104B as a result of the same ordifferent sound or sounds. Logic 118B to terminate the pairing of twodevices 102B and 104B may include logic to terminate the effectuation ofpairing while pairing (i.e., to abort a pairing which is in progress).Logic 118B to terminate the pairing of two devices 102B and 104B mayinclude logic to terminate the pairing of two paired devices. Logic 118Bto terminate pairing may include logic to use authentication and/orauthorization information in making the determination to terminatepairing.

Overview of FIG. 2B

FIG. 2B is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairing method. At202B, the devices are recognized as proximate. This may take place, forexample, in situations where the devices communicate wirelessly prior torecognition of the device pairing sound.

At 204B, one or both devices detect the device pairing sound.Information conveyed by the sound, possibly including information aboutthe nature of the sound, may be analyzed.

At 206B, information is exchanged between the two devices to effectpairing. As was previously noted, some or possibly all of thisinformation may have been exchanged earlier in situations where thedevices were communicating with each other prior to recognition of thepairing sound.

At 208B, information obtained prior to, during, or after the sound isapplied to authenticate and/or authorize the pairing of the devices.

At 210B, feedback is provided to the user and user input obtained.Feedback and user input may occur as a part of the authentication andauthorization process 208B, or for other reasons.

At 212B, the pairing effectuation process is complete.

Pairing Response to Sound

The method may include and/or involve receiving at least one sound, andpairing at least two devices as a result of the at least one sound.Pairing at least two devices as a result of the at least one sound mayinclude and/or involve recognizing from the sound an identification ofat least one of the devices. Pairing at least two devices may includeand/or involve extracting authentication information from the sound.Pairing may include and/or involve identifying at least one purpose,feature, attribute, and/or function from the sound, such as identifyingwhen at least one of the devices was purchased, identifying a status ofat least one device, identifying an existing relationship betweendevices, identifying at least one device pairing history, identifying amanufacturer of at least one device, identifying a place of manufacturefor at least one device, identifying a year of manufacture or versionfor at least one device, identifying a location of at least one device,and so on.

Pairing may include and/or involve comparing information of the soundwith a biometric voice print, e.g. analyzing voice information of the atleast one sound. Analyzing voice information of the at least one soundmay include and/or involve identifying words and/or phrases from thevoice information, and/or involve identifying, from the voiceinformation, an individual that is the source of the voice information.

The pairing may involve identifying a type or types of the sound anddetermining an extent of pairing of the devices at least in partaccording to the type or types of the sound. A level and/or variation ofat least one of volume, pitch, or tone of the sound may be determined,and at least one of the devices to pair, and/or an extent of pairing,may be selected accordingly. The type or types of sound may beidentified, for example, as a whistle, a click, a clap, a knock, a snap,a ring, or a tone.

The devices may be paired to an extent determined by qualities and/orcircumstances of the sound or sounds. Qualities and/or circumstances ofthe sound or sounds may determine which functions and/or features of oneor both devices, or the combination thereof, are enabled for pairing. Incertain implementations, the devices may be paired to an extentdetermined by qualities and/or circumstances of the sound or sounds,such as authorizing that a person or persons using one or both devicesis authorized to do so, and/or to what extent.

Status/Progress Indications

One or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications may beprovided on the progress and/or results of pairing of the devices.Providing one or more indications on the progress and/or results ofpairing of the devices may include and/or involve presenting pairingoptions to a user of the devices, which may involve presenting at leastone of a visual menu or voice prompts. Pairing options may includeoptions relevant to the way the pairing is accomplished, presentingoptions for parameters of the pairing, or presenting options for one ormore tasks and/or function served by the pairing. Parameters of thepairing may include options for pairing duration, location constraints,or conditions for terminating pairing.

An indication may be provided to a user to provide input to the pairingprocess. The user may be prompted to provide at least one of a password,a spoken input, a selection of an option, a biometric input, orinformation from a card and/or memory device, among other things.

It may be advantageous, in certain implementations, to provide one ormore lights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications to a useror users of the device(s). Such indications may indicate the progressand/or results of pairing, such as whether pairing was successful,unsuccessful due to insufficient available information, available, or inprocess.

Discontinuing Pairing

Pairing of the at least two devices may be discontinued under certaincircumstances. Pairing of the at least two devices may be discontinuedas a result of completion of a task, such as completion of placing acall, transferring a file, sending a message, or performing a backup.

Discontinuing pairing of the at least two devices may include and/orinvolve discontinuing pairing when the at least two devices are nolonger proximate with one another.

Discontinuing pairing of the at least two devices may include and/orinvolve discontinuing pairing if an amount of authorized pairing timelapses.

Discontinuing pairing of the at least two devices may also oralternatively include and/or involve discontinuing pairing due to a userselection to discontinue pairing, and/or as a result of detecting a sameor different sound or sounds that enabled pairing to begin with.

Retaining Pairing Information

Information about the pairing of the at least two devices may beretained and later applied to pair the devices.

The method may include and/or involve applying the retained informationto resume pairing of the at least two devices, after pairing of the atleast two devices is discontinued and/or interrupted. Pairing of the atleast two devices may be resumed once the devices are once again inproximity with one another, and/or once the at least two devices areonce again in communication with one another.

Proximity

Proximity between the devices may be detected. At least one sound, inconjunction with proximity between the devices, may provide anindication that pairing of the devices should be attempted.

Increasing proximity between the devices may be detected. At least onesound, in conjunction with recently detected increasing proximitybetween the devices, may provide an indication that pairing of thedevices should be attempted.

The devices may wirelessly exchange information needed for pairing, uponapproaching or becoming proximate with one another, but prior toreceiving at least one sound. Detecting the at least one sound mayprovide an indication that the exchanged information should be appliedto complete the pairing process.

Authentication and Authorization

The sound may provide an indication that the devices should exchange atleast some of authentication, authorization, or compatibilityinformation needed for pairing. By exchanging such information, thedevices may establish a secure channel for communication of information.

Motion and Other Factors Affecting Pairing

Various other factors may also influence the pairing process, such asrelative motion between two or more of the devices. Relative motionbetween the devices may include rotation, angle of approach, or relativelateral motion between the devices. The relative motion information maybe applied as an indication of whether and/or to what extent pairing ofthe devices may take place. The relative motion information may beapplied for authentication and/or authorization purposes.

The duration of the sound or sounds may be detected and applied as anindication of to what extent and/or whether pairing of the devicesshould take place, possibly for authentication and/or authorizationpurposes. Multiple sounds may be detected and applied as an indicationof to what extent and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed,possibly for authentication and/or authorization purposes.

The intensity of sound may be detected and applied as an indication ofto what extent and/or whether pairing of the devices should proceed,and/or for authentication and/or authorization purposes. This mayinvolve detecting at least one of an average volume, a peak volume, or avolume gradient of the sound or sounds.

Other Devices

Communicating may take place with at least one device different than thedevices to pair, to obtain information needed to effect pairing of thedevices. The at least one different device may include and/or involve atleast one of a proximate desktop, a laptop, or a handheld computingdevice. The at least one different device may be located remotely fromboth of the devices to pair.

User Input

User input may be awaited as a result of the sound or sounds. Awaitinguser input as may include and/or involve awaiting authenticationinformation for the user, from at least one of input from a keypad,voice input, touch screen, or biometric input.

User input may include and/or involve awaiting a user selection fromamong pairing options. A user selection may be received from among thepresented pairing options, and pairing may proceed according to the userselection.

Overview of FIG. 3B

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device to accommodatepairing. A device 302B includes a display 322B that may be used, amongother things, to provide a menu 324B of pairing options. The device 302Bincludes a microphone 318B which may be used to detect sound (such astapping) and/or voice input. The device 302B includes a keypad 323B. Thedevice 302B includes two parts which may be used to provide userfeedback, a speaker 319B and a LED 320B. The device 302B also includesvarious logic elements which may operate to effect device pairing. Ofcourse, the device 302B may include additional elements that are notshown here and which may be superfluous to this discussion.

Device logic includes pairing process management logic 304B, wirelesscommunication logic 306B, proximity and motion logic 307B, user inputlogic 308B, sound/speech processing logic 309B, biometric processinglogic 310B, third device interface logic 311B to interact with a deviceor devices other that the two pairing devices, authentication logic312B, authorization logic 313B, feedback logic 314B, and logic 315B todiscontinue pairing, retain pairing information, and/orreestablish/resume pairing under certain circumstances.

An antenna 329B enables the device 302B to engage in wirelesscommunication.

Not all embodiments of the device 302B will include all of theillustrated logic. For example, if a device 302B had no biometric inputit would not need and probably would not have biometric processing logic310B. If a device 302B did not need to involve and communicate with athird device (other than its pairing partner) to effect pairing, it maynot have third device interface logic 311B. And so on.

The device 102B may include and/or involve a sound sensor (themicrophone 318B), and logic to enable the device to ascertain and/oridentify pairing information from signals received via the sound sensor,such as an identification of at least one other device with which topair, a person effecting pairing of the device with the at least oneother device, an extent to which to pair with the at least one otherdevice, and so on.

The logic 304B and 306B-315B may be applied to effect the operation ofthe device in accordance with actions previously described herein toeffect pairing with at least one other device.

Overview of FIG. 1C

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device pairingsystem/arrangement. The system/arrangement may include and/or involve afirst device 130C, a second device 102C, and a third device 104C, andlogic 118C to facilitate pairing between the second device 102C and thethird device 104C as a result of contact between the first device 130Cand at least one of the second 102C and third 104C devices.

The first device 130C is any device which, when it touches at least oneof two other devices 102C and 104C, may initiate pairing between the twoother devices 102C and 104C. In some cases, device 130C will contain acontact area (not shown in FIG. 1C) which must be used as the touchingsurface in order to initiate pairing. In some cases, device 130C willpossess a wireless communication capability, which may work inconjunction with its touching to effect pairing. In someimplementations, the device 130C may be a ring worn on the hand 128C ofa user of the devices 102C 104C.

The second device 102C includes a microphone 106C, a speaker 107C, a LED108C, an antenna 115C and a contact area 110C. There may be more thanone contact area 110C. The contact area 110C may be incorporated in acomplex device part such as a touch sensitive screen incorporating otherfunctions such as display. The contact area 110C may be any part ofdevice 102C which, when touched by another device 130C, is recognized astouched by logic within device 102C.

The microphone 106C may be used for sound input to the device 102C andmay not be present in all embodiments. Sound input may include soundssuch as tapping or voice input such as whistling or speaking Voice inputmay be processed into words and/or phrases, and/or it may be processedas a sound pattern (e.g. a voice print). Voice input may be used, atleast in part, as a biometric for individual identification.

The speaker 107C and LED 108C may be used for audible and visualinformation conveyed from the device 102C, such as requests that anindividual perform an action or feedback on the condition of someoperation the device may have performed or be performing. The speaker107C and/or LED 108C and/or other means for feedback may not be presentin all embodiments. Other means of communicating information such as abuzzer, display, or tactile surface may be present additionally orinstead of the speaker 107C and/or LED 108C.

User feedback may be communicated to the user in various ways, such asthose described above using speakers/LEDs/other outputs of the device,or via some other proximate device.

The device 102C may include an antenna 115C for wireless communicationwith other devices. The device 102C may include other features such as ascanner, a camera, or cellular telephone capabilities.

Examples of devices 102C and 104C include a medallion or wearablejewelry, headphones, a telephone and/or telephone base station, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) incorporating a display, a camera, akeyboard, a scanner, a cellular telephone, and many others. Laptop andpalmtop computers are also possibilities.

A third device 104C includes contact areas 111C and 113C, an antenna116C, logic 118C, and a display 120C. The device 104C may have a singlecontact area, or, as shown, two or more contact areas 111C, 113C. Thedevice 104C need not include a display 120C, although a display mayprove useful for certain aspects of the pairing process. The display120C could be part of the first device 102C, or some other device suchas 122C and/or 124C.

The logic 118C operates to effect various techniques and acts forpairing the second device 102C and the third device 104C. The logic 118Cmay exist on the first device 130C, the second device 102C, the thirddevice 104C, or in part on two or all of the devices 130C, 102C, 104C.The logic 118C may exist, at least in part, on other devices, such asdevices 122C, and/or 124C. The devices 122C and 124C may comprise aproximate laptop, desktop, or other computing device, and/or supportingnetwork and communication equipment. The logic 118C may exist, at leastin part, remotely from the pairing devices 102C and 104C, such as on aremote device reachable over an intranet or the Internet.

The display 120C may be used to provide information to an individual orindividuals such as the person or persons causing the contact betweenthe two devices 130C and 102C and/or 104C. In some embodiments, othermeans of communicating information such as an LED, buzzer, or speakermay be present additionally or instead of the display 120C on either orboth of devices 102C and 104C, and/or on a proximate device such as 122Cor 124C.

The antenna 116C enables wireless communication between the device 104Cand other devices. The device 104C may include other features notdescribed herein. The device 104C may be, among other things, a laptop,desktop, tower, or server computer. The device 104C may be attached viawireless or wired communications to an Intranet and/or the Internet andmay provide, for example, a sophisticated application such as a medicalpatient monitoring station or machine control application for a machinetool.

At least one of devices 130C, 102C, and 104C may be movable or mobile,at least in part, thus enabling the touching that initiates pairing. Insome cases, the device performing the touching 130C, 102C, and/or 104Cmay be moving during the period of touching. For example, the firstdevice 130C may be moved horizontally across a touching surface 111C or113C of device 104C. In this example, the relative motion of devices130C and 104C with respect to each other may convey information inaddition to the fact of touching. This extra information may be neededto enable pairing. The extra information could, for example, facilitateidentification of the pairing partner, or assist in authentication ofthe user. To assist in authentication, for example, the user could berequired to provide a password and move the device 130C in a particularmanner when contacting device 104C.

The device pairing arrangement may also include additional devices, suchas device 122C, 123C, and 124C. Various data, logic, resources, andcapabilities, including information and logic, to accomplish the pairingprocess may be provided by these other devices 122C, 123C, and 124C. Thedevices 102C and/or 104C to pair may communicate with one or more of thedevices 122C-124C using wireless or other types of communication duringthe pairing process.

By way of example, one or more of the devices 122C 123C may provide anetwork access point for a wired and/or wireless network. Thus, forexample, the devices 122C 123C may include antennae 125C 126C. Theantennae 125C 126C may enable one or both of devices 102C 104C tocommunicate via a network with other devices, such as device 124C,located remotely from devices 102C, 104C. Such communication may enabledevices 102C and/or 104C to receive additional information from device124C that may assist in the pairing process. Some of the logic 118C usedto effectuate pairing including even in some cases the decision to pairmay be embodied in a remote device or devices 124C.

The logic 118C to facilitate pairing between the second device 102C andthe third device 104C as a result of contact between the first device130C and at least one of the second 102C and third 104C devices mayinclude and/or involve logic in the first device 130C to receive pairinginformation from the second device 102C as a result of contact with thesecond device 102C, and to communicate the pairing information to thethird device 104C as a result of contact with the third device 104C.There may be various manners of implementing the logic 118C tofacilitate pairing between the second 102C and the third 104C device,including but not limited to logic to communicate pairing information tothe second device 102C as a result of contact with the second device102C, and to communicate the pairing information to the third device104C as a result of contact with the third device 104C.

In some implementations the logic 118C to facilitate pairing between thesecond device and the third device may include and/or involve logic forthe first device 130C to pick up pairing information from the seconddevice 102C as a result of contact with the second device 102C, and tocarry the pairing information and then to communicate the pairinginformation to the third device 104C as a result of contact with thethird device 104C.

When information is communicated between the first device 130C andeither or both of the second and third devices 102C, 104C, the means ofcommunication may be either through the point of contact 110C, 111C,and/or 113C of the touching devices 130C and 102C or 104C, wirelessly,or in some other manner.

It may be advantageous in certain implementations for the logic 118C tofacilitate pairing between the second 102C and third 104C devices as aresult of contact between the first device 130C and at least one of thesecond 102C and third 104C devices to include and/or involve logic towirelessly communicate information received from either or both of thesecond device 102C and third device 104C to a fourth device 122C, 124Cin order to facilitate pairing. The logic 118C to wirelessly communicatepairing information received from either or both of the second device102C and third device 104C to a fourth device 122C, 124C in order tofacilitate pairing of the second device 102C and the third device 104Cmay include and/or involve logic to communicate user and/or deviceauthentication information to the fourth device 122C or 124C.

The logic 118C to communicate pairing information to the second device102C as a result of contact with the second device 102C, and tocommunicate the pairing information to the third device 104C as a resultof contact with the third device 104C may include and/or involve logicto communicate the pairing information via one or more points ofcontact, and/or logic to communicate the pairing information usingshort-range wireless technology. This may include and/or involve logicto communicate the pairing information after a time or times of contactwith the second device and/or the third device has ended. This couldalso include and/or involve logic to wirelessly communicate pairinginformation prior to contact with the second device and/or the thirddevice, and to communicate additional pairing information upon contactwith the second device and/or third device, the additional pairinginformation employed by the second device and/or third device to pair.

The pairing information may be communicated only during a time or timesof contact with the second device and/or the third device, orinformation stored by the first device may be communicated prior tocontact with either of the second device or the third device.

The additional information employed by the second device and/or thirddevice to pair may include and/or involve device and/or userauthentication and/or authorization information. The logic tocommunicate information stored by the first device prior to contact witheither of the second device or the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to store at least one of user authentication informationand/or financial transaction information.

Pairing

The device pairing arrangement includes a first device 130C, a seconddevice 102C, a third device 104C and logic 118C to effect pairing of thefirst and second devices upon detection of physical contact between thefirst device 130C and at least one of the second 102C and/or third 104Cdevices. Pairing involves cooperative operation of the two devices 102C,104C, generally involving communication between the devices 102C, 104C.Effecting pairing may involve actions such as identifying either one orboth devices 102C, 104C or one or more device characteristics, features,and/or functions; identifying (authenticating) the person or somecharacteristic of the person using the devices 102C, 104C; authorizingthe pairing and/or to what extent; and configuring one or both of thedevices 102C, 104C with settings and information to facilitate pairedoperation.

Pairing involves communication of information, between the first andsecond devices 130C and 102C, and/or the first and third devices 130Cand 104C, and/or the second and third devices 102C and 104C, and/orbetween the second and/or third devices 102C and/or 104C and otherdevices 122C, 124C. Information communicated between the devices asmentioned just above may be communicated in various ways, includingusing the contact points 110C, 111C, and/or 113C, wirelessly, or usingsome wired communication method, or combinations thereof.

Information to facilitate pairing may be communicated between the twodevices 102C, 104C, or almost entirely from one device to another. Forexample, device 102C may consist of a medallion or ring containingstored value (similar in concept to a prepaid phone card) which is usedprimarily to accomplish a commercial transaction. When the medallion102C is touched to device 130C, information about the stored value maybe passed to device 130C. Device 130C may then communicate thisinformation to device 104C either by touching it or using short-rangewireless communication. Device 104C may then perform many, most, or allactions necessary to establish pairing, such as identifying thecommercial transaction and deciding if it may be accomplished. (The usermay be interacting through a touch screen or keyboard or verbally withdevice 104C during this period.). Device 104C may then initiate pairing.While the two devices are paired, device 104C may pass information aboutthe commercial transaction back to device 130C or device 102C.

The information exchanged, and the direction of such exchange, may varyaccording to the implementation. For example, after being touched bydevice 130C, device 102C might communicate information about a desiredcommon purpose to the device 104C using wireless communications, alongwith information about its 102C capabilities. The device 104C maydetermine if it is suitable to provide the common purpose when pairedwith device 102C, and notify device 102C of this decision. The device102C may then pass information authenticating the person using it to thedevice 104C. And so on.

Sometimes, effectuation of pairing may at times require an individual toprovide an input to one or any of the devices 130C,102C, 104C, or toperform an action. For example, the user of the device 102C and/or 104Cmay have to enter a password or provide a biometric input before pairingwill be accomplished. The user may have to speak his or her name, to bevalidated biometrically. The individual may have to present a finger toa scanner for biometric fingerprint identification.

Effectuation of pairing may in some instances involve access toinformation and processing capability external to the two pairingdevices 102C, 104C. For example, if an individual provides a biometricinput to device 102C, it might use the antenna 115C to communicate thefingerprint information wirelessly to device 123C via the antenna 126C.Device 123C might then provide the fingerprint information, via anetwork, to device 124C for authentication and authorization of theuser's permission to pair device 104C with device 102C.

The information needed to effect pairing may be passed using a varietyof physical medium. Some or all of the information needed to effectpairing may be communicated through the contact point 110C and 111C or113C of the two devices 102C, 104C. Some or all of the informationneeded to effect pairing may be communicated using a wireless capabilityof either or both devices 102C, 104C. Either or both of devices 102C,104C may implement wired or wireless network connectivity, so that someor all of the information needed to effect pairing may be communicatedto one or both devices via a communication network.

One or both devices 102C, 104C may be paired with some other device (notshown) at the time at least one of the devices 102C, 104C are touched bydevice 130C. Depending on the circumstances, the original pairing orpairings may be terminated, and a pairing between the devices 102C, 104Ceffected. Or, a second pairing may occur between devices 102C, 104C andone or more original pairings may continue. In some circumstances, whenthe at least one of the devices 102C, 104C are touched by a device 130C,pairing may be rejected if one or both devices 102C, 104C are alreadypaired.

Authentication/Authorization

The logic 118C to effect pairing may include logic to authenticateand/or authorize pairing between the devices 102C, 104C. Authenticatingand/or authorizing the pairing may include identifying one or bothdevices 102C, 104C and/or identifying at least one device characteristicfor one or both devices 102C, 104C, such as determining whether thedevices 102C, 104C are suitable for use for the purpose required andthat they 102C, 104C are compatible for pairing to accomplish thatpurpose. For example, pairing may have been initiated with a goal ofaccomplishing a commercial transaction requiring secure communication.Both devices 102C, 104C may have a device characteristic of supportingone or more varieties of encryption. However, they may support only DESencryption in common. The recognition that the devices are compatibleand that DES encryption should be employed may occur as a result of theinformation exchanged during the pairing effectuation process.

Authenticating and/or authorizing pairing may include identifying a userof one or both of the devices) 102C, 104C and/or to identify at leastone characteristic of the user. For example, the user may be a member ofa group, department, or organization, such as a computer networkadministrator with broad access privileges.

The system may include logic 118C to authorize an extent of pairing ofthe devices 102C 104C. By extent of pairing it is meant authorization ofwhich functions and how extensively certain functions can be performedwhile the devices are paired. Authorization of an extent of pairing maybe based, at least in part, on the identity or at least onecharacteristic of the user. Authorization of an extent of pairing may bebased, at least in part, on the identity of the devices 102C, 104C ordevice characteristics or state.

Other factors may be taken into consideration when authorizing an extentof pairing to allow. Authorization of an extent of pairing may be based,at least in part, on time of day or physical location. Authorization ofan extent of pairing may be based, at least in part, on the manner oftouching and/or point of physical contact 110C, 111C, 113C between thetwo devices 102C, 104C.

Authorization may be provided for a greater number and/or differentfunctions and/or features of one or both devices 102C, 104C than wouldbe available if the devices were paired without physical contact.

A secure channel may be established between the devices forcommunication of information, particularly authentication/authorizationinformation but in general any information that the devices exchangethat should not be made available to other parties/devices that may belistening in.

Retaining Information

The system may include and/or involve logic 118C to retain informationabout the pairing of the second device 102C and the third device 104C,after pairing of the second device 102C and the third device 104C iscomplete. The retained information may be applied to resume pairing ofthe second device 102C and the third device 104C, after pairing of thesecond device 102C and the third device 104C is interrupted.

The retained information may be applied to resume pairing of the seconddevice 102C and the third device 104C once the second device 102C andthe third device 104C are once again in proximity. The retainedinformation may be applied to resume pairing once the first device 130Cis once again in proximity with the second device 102C and/or the thirddevice 104C. The logic 118C to apply the retained information to resumepairing after pairing is interrupted may include and/or involve logic toapply the retained information to resume pairing of the second device102C and the third device 104C once the first device 130C is once againin contact or once again has been in contact with the second device 102Cand/or the third device 104C.

Discontinue Pairing

The system may include and/or involve logic 118C to discontinue pairingof the second device 102C and the third device 104C. For example,pairing may be discontinued when the second device 102C and/or thirddevice 104C are no longer proximate with the first device 130C and/orwith one another, when an amount of authorized user time lapses, orbased at least in part on some other factor, such as time of day orlocation.

Manner of Contact

The system may include and/or involve logic 118C to detect a manner ofcontact between the first device 130C and the second device 102C and/orthe third device 104C. Relative motion may be detected between the firstdevice 130C and the second device 102C and/or the third device 104C at apoint or points of contact 110C, 111C, and/or 113C.

The duration of contact may be detected between the first device 130Cand the second device 102C and/or the third device 104C, and todetermine from the duration of contact an indication of how and/orwhether pairing should be accomplished.

Multiple instances of contact may be detected between the first device130C and the second device 102C and/or the third device 104C, andinterpreted as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of should beaccomplished.

The intensity of contact may be detected between the first device 130Cand the second device 102C and/or the third device 104C, and interpretedas an indication of how and/or whether pairing should be accomplished.At least one of an average contact force, a peak contact force, or forcegradient may be detected.

User Input

The system may include and/or involve logic 118C to await user input asa result of contact between the first device 130C and the second device102C and/or third device 104C. As a result of contact, the system mayawait at least one of input from a keypad, one or more buttons, a voiceinput, a touch screen, or a biometric input. The user input may includeand/or involve authentication information for the user.

Feedback

One or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications may beprovided indicating the progress and/or results of pairing of the seconddevice 102C and the third device 104C. For example, one of one or morelights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications may beprovided. The indications may provide feedback on whether or not thepairing was successful, unsuccessful due to insufficient availableinformation or for other reasons, to indicate that pairing between thedevices is available, or to indicate that pairing is in process.

A user may be prompted to provide input to the pairing process. Forexample, the user may be prompted for a password, spoken input,biometric input, or information from a card and/or memory device. Thesystem may present a menu of pairing options for the user to selectfrom.

Interaction with Other Devices

The logic 118C may operate to communicate wirelessly with at least onedevice 122C, 124C different than the two devices 102C, 104C to obtaininformation needed to effect pairing between the devices 102C, 104C. Theother device or devices 122C, 124C may be physically near (same or closeroom or same building) or remotely located with respect to the locationof the pairing devices 102C, 104C. The other device or devices 122C,124C may be accessed wirelessly, or via a network such as an intranet orthe Internet.

Overview of FIG. 2C

FIG. 2C is a flow chart of an embodiment of a device pairingmethod/technique. At 202C, proximity is recognized between the firstdevice and the second or third device. Alternatively or additionally, ifone of the second or third devices is being moved, proximity may berecognized between the second and third devices (the two devices whichare to be paired). Detection of proximity prior to any contact betweenthe first device and the second and/or third device may result incommunication between any two of the three devices or all three devicesoccur prior to contact.

At 204C, contact is detected between the first and third devices. At206C, pairing information is communicated from the first device to thethird device. Pairing information may be communicated wirelessly, viathe contact point, or via another means.

At 208C, the second device recognizes that it has been touched by thefirst device and analyzes information that it receives as a result ofthe contact.

At 210C, pairing information is communicated either from the firstdevice or from the third device to the second device.

At 212C, either the first, second, or third device, or some other deviceuse the information obtained to authenticate and/or authorize thedesired pairing.

At 214C, additional information is obtained from the user to completethe pairing process. Feedback is provided to the user on the status ofpairing.

At 216C, pairing concludes. The pairing has either now occurred or beenrejected based on the processing which has occurred.

Thus, the first device is applied to facilitate pairing between a seconddevice and a third device by touching the first device to the seconddevice, and then touching the first device to the third device, with aresult that the second device and third device are thus enabled to pairwith one another.

Pairing in this fashion may result in access to a greater number and/ordifferent functions of one or both devices than would be available ifthe devices were paired without physical contact with the intermediatedevice. Pairing may result in access to functions and/or features of oneor both devices the extent of which varies according to the mannerand/or point of physical contact between the devices.

The pairing process may be interrupted if the first device loses contactwith the second or third device. The devices may exchange pairinginformation prior to, during, only during, or after a time when one ofthe devices is in physical contact with the first device.

Pairing of the second device and the third device may be discontinuedfor various reasons. Pairing may be discontinued when the second deviceand third device are no longer proximate with one another, when thesecond device and/or third device are no longer proximate with the firstdevice, due to an action of a user of the first and/or second devices,after an amount of authorized user time lapses, and/or based on anexternal event, such as the current time of day or current location ofthe second or third devices.

Information about the pairing of the second device and the third devicemay be retained by the first (intermediate) device, or by another deviceor devices of the system. The retained information may be applied toresume pairing of the second device and the third device, after pairingof the second device and the third device is discontinued and/orinterrupted. For example, the retained information may be applied toresume pairing of the two devices once the two devices are once again inproximity with one another, once the first device is once again incontact with the second device and/or the third device, and/or once thefirst device is once again in proximity with the second device and/orthe third device.

The manner of contact between the first device and the second deviceand/or the third device may influence the pairing process, as previouslydescribed. Detecting a manner of contact may include and/or involvedetecting a point or points of contact between the first device and thesecond device and/or the third device, and interpreting the point orpoints of contact as an indication of how and/or whether pairing of thesecond device and the third device should be accomplished.

One or more audible and/or visual and/or tactile indications on theprogress and/or results of pairing of the second device and the thirddevice may be provided, as previously described. In some situations,this could include and/or involve providing at least one of one or morelights, tones, vibrations, sounds, or display indications.

The system may present at least one pairing options, from which one maybe selected by user input. Pairing options may include and/or involveone or more of options relevant to the way the pairing is accomplished,options for parameters of the pairing, or options for one or more tasksand/or functions served by the pairing. Options for parameters of thepairing may include and/or involve presenting options for pairingduration, location constraints, or conditions for terminating pairing.

As previously described, the system may await user input as a result ofcontact between the first device and the second device and/or thirddevice. The user input may include and/or involve input from a keypad,one or more buttons, a voice input, a touch screen, or a biometricinput.

Overview of FIG. 3C

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a pairing-capable device.The device 302C includes a display 322C that may be used, among otherthings, to provide a menu 324C of options. The device includes amicrophone 318C which may be used to detect sound (such as tapping)and/or voice input. The device includes a keypad 323C. The deviceincludes two parts which may be used to provide user feedback, a speaker319C and a LED 320C. The device includes two contact sensors 326C and327C. The device also includes various logic elements which may operateto effect device pairing. Of course, the device may include additionalelements that are not shown here and which are superfluous to thisdiscussion.

Logic of the device includes pairing process management logic 304C,contact processing logic 305C, wireless communication logic 306C,proximity and motion logic 307C, user input logic 308C, speechprocessing logic 309C, biometric processing logic 310C, logic 311C tointeract with a device or devices other than the two pairing devices,authentication logic 312C, and authorization logic 313C. Device logicalso includes feedback logic 314C and logic 315C to interrupt, resume,and end pairing and to retain pairing information.

An antenna 329C enables the device to engage in wireless communication.

Not all embodiments of the device 302C will include all of theillustrated logic. For example, if a device 302C did not have a speaker319C or microphone 318C and used no sound inputs or outputs, it wouldnot need and probably would not have speech processing logic 309C. If adevice had no biometric input it would not need and probably would nothave biometric processing logic 310C. And so on.

The device logic 304C-315C may be applied to facilitate pairing with atleast one other device, in the manners described herein.

The device 302C may include feedback mechanisms (e.g. speaker 319C, LED320C and feedback operation logic 314C) to provide one or more audibleand/or visual and/or tactile indications on the progress and/or resultsof pairing, as described herein. For example, the logic 314C may provideat least one light, tone, vibration, sound, or display indication. Thelogic 314C may provide at least one menu 324C of pairing options, and/oran indication that a user should provide input to the pairing process.

The device 302C may include contact processing logic 305C to ascertain amanner in which contact occurs, and to interpret the manner of contactas an indication of how and/or whether pairing should proceed, forexample in the manners previously described herein.

The device 302C may include logic 307C to detect proximity, and/orincreasing proximity with the first device and/or device with which topair, as described herein.

The device 302C may include logic 306C to enable the device towirelessly exchange information with other devices, as described herein.

Overview of FIG. 4C

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an embodiment of an intermediate device416C, a.k.a. the intermediate device as referenced herein, which touchesthe second and/or third devices to facilitate pairing. The first device416C includes a contact sensor 414C which includes all or part of thecontact area used when touching another device. The device 416C includesan antenna 418C, used for wireless communication with other devices. Thedevice 416C includes a sound generator 411C and light generator 412C,used, at least in part, to provide feedback on the progress and/orresults of a pairing initiation.

The device 416C includes logic, including process control logic 402C,contact detection and analysis logic 403C, wireless communication logic404C, proximity detection logic 405C, information exchange logic 406C,feedback and user input logic 407C, and memory 408C to hold logic andinformation.

The first device 416C may include and/or involve at least one contactsensor 414C, and logic 402C-406C to facilitate pairing between a seconddevice and a third device as a result of contact between the contactsensor 414C and at least one of the second and third devices. The logic402C-406C to facilitate pairing between a second device and a thirddevice as a result of contact between the contact sensor 414C and atleast one of the second and third devices may include and/or involvelogic to receive pairing information from the second device as a resultof contact with the second device, and to communicate the pairinginformation to the third device as a result of contact with the thirddevice, and/or logic to communicate pairing information to the seconddevice as a result of contact with the second device, and to communicatethe pairing information to the third device as a result of contact withthe third device.

This may include and/or involve logic 406C to pick up pairinginformation from the second device as a result of contact with thesecond device, and to carry the pairing information and to communicatethe pairing information to the third device as a result of contact withthe third device. In some implementations the logic 402C-406C tofacilitate pairing between a second device and a third device as aresult of contact between the contact sensor 414 and at least one of thesecond and third devices may also or alternatively include and/orinvolve logic 404C and 406C to wirelessly communicate pairinginformation received from either or both of the second device and thirddevice to a fourth device in order to facilitate pairing of the seconddevice and the third device. In some situations, this could includeand/or involve logic to detect a time interval between contact of thefirst device with the second device, and contact of the first devicewith the third device.

The logic 402C-406C to communicate pairing information to the seconddevice as a result of contact with the second device and to communicatethe pairing information to the third device as a result of contact withthe third device may include and/or involve logic to communicate thepairing information via one or more points of contact 414C. It may beadvantageous, in certain implementations, for the logic to communicatepairing information to the second device as a result of contact with thesecond device, and to communicate the pairing information to the thirddevice as a result of contact with the third device to include and/orinvolve logic 404C to communicate the pairing information usingshort-range wireless technology.

The logic 402C-406C to communicate pairing information to the seconddevice as a result of contact with the second device, and to communicatethe pairing information to the third device as a result of contact withthe third device may also or alternatively include and/or involve logicto communicate the pairing information during a time or times of contactwith the second device and/or the third device. Alternatively oradditionally, this logic may include logic to communicate informationstored by the first device prior to contact with either of the seconddevice or the third device. The logic 402C-406C to communicate pairinginformation to the second device as a result of contact with the seconddevice, and to communicate the pairing information to the third deviceas a result of contact with the third device may also or alternativelyinclude and/or involve logic to wirelessly communicate pairinginformation prior to contact with the second device and/or the thirddevice, and to communicate additional pairing information upon contactwith the second device and/or third device, the additional pairinginformation employed by the second device and/or third device to pair.One manner of implementing this may include and/or involve logic tocommunicate the pairing information during a time or times of contactwith the second device and/or the third device. In some situations, thelogic may operate to communicate the pairing information after a time ortimes of contact with the second device and/or the third device hasended.

The logic 402C-406C to wirelessly communicate pairing informationreceived from either or both of the second device and third device to afourth device in order to facilitate pairing of the second device andthe third device may include and/or involve logic to communicate userand/or device authentication information to the fourth device.

The logic to detect a time interval between contact of the first devicewith the second device, and contact of the first device with the thirddevice may include and/or involve logic to communicate pairinginformation to the third device sufficient to cause pairing with thesecond device to proceed only when the time interval does not exceed athreshold.

The additional pairing information employed by the second device and/orthird device to pair may include and/or involve device and/or userauthentication and/or authorization information. The logic tocommunicate information stored by the first device 416C prior to contactwith either of the second device or the third device may include and/orinvolve logic to store at least one of user authentication informationand/or financial transaction information. The additional pairinginformation employed by the second device and/or third device to pairmay include and/or involve device and/or user authentication and/orauthorization information.

The logic to communicate information stored by the first device 416Cprior to contact with either of the second device or the third devicemay include and/or involve logic to store at least one of userauthentication information and/or financial transaction information.

Retaining Information

The device 416C may include and/or involve logic to retain informationabout the pairing of the second device and the third device, afterpairing of the second device and the third device is complete. The logicto retain information about the pairing of the second device and thethird device, after pairing of the second device and the third device iscomplete may include and/or involve logic to apply the retainedinformation to resume pairing of the second device and the third device,after pairing of the second device and the third device is interrupted.The logic to apply the retained information to resume pairing of thesecond device and the third device, after pairing of the second deviceand the third device is interrupted may include and/or involve logic toapply the retained information to resume pairing of the second deviceand the third device once the second device and the third device areonce again in proximity. This could include and/or involve logic toapply the retained information to resume pairing of the second deviceand the third device once the first device 416C is once again in contactwith the second device and/or the third device.

Discontinue Pairing

The first device 416C may include and/or involve logic to discontinuepairing of the second device and the third device. The logic todiscontinue pairing of the second device and the third device mayinclude and/or involve logic to discontinue pairing when the seconddevice and/or third device are no longer proximate with the firstdevice, and/or proximate with one another, and/or as a result of useraction, and/or upon completion of a task or tasks, and/or after anamount of authorized user time lapses.

Manner of Contact

The first device 416C may include and/or involve logic 403C to detect amanner of contact between the first device 416C and the second deviceand/or the third device, as described herein. Various characteristics ofthe manner of contact may be detected and applied as an indication ofhow and/or whether pairing of the second device and the third deviceshould be accomplished.

User Input and Feedback

The first device 416C may include and/or involve logic 407C to awaituser input as a result of activation of the at least one contact sensor414C, as described herein. The first device 416C may include and/orinvolve logic to provide one or more audible and/or visual and/ortactile indications on the progress and/or results of pairing of thesecond device and the third device, as described herein.

Overview of FIG. 5C

FIG. 5C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a pairingtechnique.

At 502C, the first device touches the third device.

At 504C, information about the pairing is communicated from the firstdevice to the third device.

At 506C, the first device touches the second device.

At 508C, information is sent from the third device to the second device.(The information sent by the third device may include the pairinginformation it received from the first device).

At 510C, the second device begins analysis of the authentication andauthorization information it now has.

At 512C, the second device communicates some of the information, such asits gathered information as to which devices will be pairing, what thepurpose of the pairing is, and its gathered information which may beused for authentication and authorization, to a fourth device.

At 514C, the fourth device responds with a pairing go-ahead message,which may also include information as to the extent of pairing, i.e.,the extent to which the second and third devices may work together inaccomplishing the purpose.

At 516C, the second and third devices pair.

As shown, the decision to authorize pairing may be accomplished by logicof a fourth (e.g. different from the first, second, or third) device. Insome systems, authentication information may reside in a central datastore external to the two pairing partner devices or intermediatedevice.

Overview of FIG. 6C

FIG. 6C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a pairingtechnique.

At 602C, the first device touches the third device.

At 604C, information about the pairing is communicated from the firstdevice to the third device.

At 606C, the first device touches the second device.

At 608C, information is sent from the third device to the second device.(The information sent by the third device may include the pairinginformation it received from the first device).

At 610C, the first and third devices interact to begin the pairingprocess. The devices recognize that user input is needed to completepairing. The first device is involved in the effecting of pairing inthis action flow because it is performing an effecting role such asauthentication or authorization analysis.

At 612C, the devices prompt for, then await, user input.

At 614C, the user performs an action providing the user input to thesecond device.

At 616C, the second and first device, which now have enough informationto determine if pairing should occur, and to what extent, conclude thepairing activity. The outcome may be no pairing, limited pairing, orsuccessful pairing with no restrictions of scope.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems described herein can beeffected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that thepreferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a hardware and/orfirmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a solely software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes described herein may be effected, none of which isinherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is achoice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployedand the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability)of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that optical aspects of implementations will requireoptically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Several portions of the subject matter subject matter described hereinmay be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors(DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links(e.g., packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, atleast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more electricalcircuit devices including at least: circuitry configured for detectingat least one duration of direct physical contact of at least one mobiledevice with one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device; circuitry configured for determining, based at least onthe detected at least one duration of direct physical contact of the atleast one mobile device to the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device, whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device; and circuitry configured for pairing the atleast one mobile device and the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device as a result of the determination whetherto effect pairing of the at least one mobile device and the one or moreof at least one home device or at least one office device, the circuitryconfigured for pairing including at least circuitry configured forauthenticating the pairing for securing at least one communicationchannel between the at least one mobile device and the one or more of atleast one home device or at least one office device.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the circuitry configured for pairing the at least onemobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device as a result of the determination whether toeffect pairing of the at least one mobile device and the one or more ofat least one home device or at least one office device includes:circuitry configured for wirelessly communicating information betweenthe at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least one homedevice or at least one office device.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe circuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobile device andthe one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice as a result of the determination whether to effect pairing of theat least one mobile device and the one or more of at least one homedevice or at least one office device includes: circuitry configured forextracting authentication information from information of at least oneof the at least one mobile device, the at least one home device, or theat least one office device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobile device and theone or more of at least one home device or at least one office device asa result of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for identifyingat least one purpose, feature, attribute, or function associated withthe at least one mobile device; and circuitry configured for identifyingthe at least one mobile device or a pairing of the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device as providing the identified at least one purpose, feature,attribute, or function.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitryconfigured for pairing the at least one mobile device and the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device as aresult of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for cooperativelyoperating the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device involving communicationbetween the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising: circuitry configured discontinuing pairing of the atleast one mobile device and the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobile device and theone or more of at least one home device or at least one office device asa result of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for identifyingat least one of the at least one mobile device, the at least one homedevice, or the at least one office device.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the circuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device as a result of the determination whether to effect pairingof the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least onehome device or at least one office device includes: circuitry configuredfor communicating information stored by the at least one mobile deviceto the one or more of at least one home device or the at least oneoffice device.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitryconfigured for pairing the at least one mobile device and the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device as aresult of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for identifyingat least one of characteristics, features, or functions of at least oneof the at least one mobile device, the at least one home device, or theat least one office device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobile device and theone or more of at least one home device or at least one office device asa result of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: at least one of circuitry configuredfor identifying at least one person using at least one of the at leastone mobile device, the at least one home device, or the at least oneoffice device; or circuitry configured for identifying at least onecharacteristic of at least one person using at least one of the at leastone mobile device, the at least one home device, or the at least oneoffice device.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitryconfigured for determining, based at least on the detected at least oneduration of direct physical contact of the at least one mobile device tothe one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice, whether to effect pairing of the at least one mobile device andthe one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice includes: circuitry configured for detecting proximity betweenthe at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least one homedevice or at least one office device and interpreting the proximitybetween the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device as an indication thatpairing of the devices should be attempted.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the circuitry configured for determining, based at least on thedetected at least one duration of direct physical contact of the atleast one mobile device to the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device, whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for detectingincreasing proximity between the at least one mobile device and the oneor more of at least one home device or at least one office device andinterpreting the increasing proximity between the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device as an indication that pairing of the devices should beattempted.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry configuredfor determining, based at least on the detected at least one duration ofdirect physical contact of the at least one mobile device to the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device, whetherto effect pairing of the at least one mobile device and the one or moreof at least one home device or at least one office device includes:circuitry configured for determining, based at least on at least onedetected duration of direct physical contact of the at least one mobiledevice to the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device and based at least partly on wirelessly exchanginginformation needed for pairing, upon approaching or becoming proximate,at least one indication of whether information should be communicatedbetween the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device.
 14. The system of claim1, wherein the circuitry configured for determining, based at least onthe detected at least one duration of direct physical contact of the atleast one mobile device to the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device, whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for determining,based at least on at least one detected duration of direct physicalcontact of the at least one mobile device to the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device and based at least on atleast one of authentication, authorization, or compatibility informationneeded for pairing, at least one indication of whether pairing of the atleast one mobile device and the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device should be accomplished.
 15. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the circuitry configured for detecting at least oneduration of direct physical contact of at least one mobile device withone or more of at least one home device or at least one office devicecomprises: circuitry configured for detecting at least one duration ofdirect physical contact involving one or more contact areas of at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry configured for detecting at least one duration of directphysical contact of at least one mobile device with one or more of atleast one home device or at least one office device comprises: circuitryconfigured for detecting at least one duration of direct physicalcontact of at least one mobile device with one or more of at least onehome device or at least one office device, wherein at least one of theat least one mobile device, the at least one home device, or the atleast one office device is incorporated in one or more of a telephone, apersonal digital assistant, a wearable article, a cellular telephone, alaptop computer, or a palmtop computer.
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein the circuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device as a result of the determination whether to effect pairingof the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least onehome device or at least one office device includes: circuitry configuredfor establishing a secure channel for communication of pairinginformation.
 18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: circuitryconfigured for ascertaining relative motion between the at least onemobile device, the at least one home device, or the at least one officedevice.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry configured forpairing the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device as a result of thedetermination whether to effect pairing of the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device includes: circuitry configured for detecting a duration ofat least one sound and applying the duration of the at least one soundas an indication of to what extent or whether pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device should take place.
 20. The system of claim 1,wherein the circuitry configured for pairing the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device as a result of the determination whether to effect pairingof the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least onehome device or at least one office device includes: circuitry configuredfor at least one of authorizing the pairing or authorizing an extent ofpairing.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry configured forpairing the at least one mobile device and the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device as a result of thedetermination whether to effect pairing of the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device includes: circuitry configured for configuring at leastone of the at least one mobile device, the at least one home device, orthe at least one office device with at least one of settings orinformation to facilitate paired operation.
 22. The system of claim 1,further comprising: at least one of circuitry configured forcommunicating with at least one device different from the at least onemobile device or the one or more of at least one home device or at leastone office device, to obtain information to effect pairing of the atleast one mobile device and the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device; or circuitry configured for receivinguser input from at least one user of the one or more of at least onehome device or the at least one office device wherein the user inputselects at least in part information to communicate to the at least onemobile device.
 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitryconfigured for pairing the at least one mobile device and the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device as aresult of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: circuitry configured for pairing theat least one mobile device and the one or more of at least one homedevice or at least one office device to an extent determined byqualities or circumstances of one or more sounds.
 24. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: circuitry configured for providing one ormore of audible, visual, or tactile indications on at least one ofprogress or results of pairing of the at least one mobile device and theone or more of at least one home device or at least one office device.25. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry configured fordetecting at least one duration of direct physical contact of at leastone mobile device to one or more of at least one home device or at leastone office device includes: circuitry configured for detecting multipleinstances of direct physical contact of the at least one mobile deviceto the one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice; or circuitry configured for detecting at least one intensity ofdirect physical contact for at least one of the at least one mobiledevice or the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device.
 26. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitryconfigured for pairing the at least one mobile device and the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device as aresult of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device includes: at least one of circuitry configuredfor exchanging at least one of authentication information, authorizationinformation, compatibility, or configuration information between the atleast one mobile device and the one or more of at least one home deviceor at least one office device; circuitry configured for authenticatingat least one user of the at least one mobile device or the one or moreof at least one home device or at least one office device; circuitryconfigured for authorizing at least one user of the at least one mobiledevice or the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device; circuitry configured for ascertaining relative motionbetween the at least one mobile device or the one or more of at leastone home device or at least one office device prior to or after contactand at least one of authenticating or authorizing the pairing based atleast partly on the relative motion; circuitry configured forauthorizing pairing of the at least one mobile device with the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device includingat least identifying at least one of the at least one mobile device, theat least one home device, or the at least one office device; circuitryconfigured for authorizing pairing of the at least one mobile devicewith the one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice including at least determining at least one characteristic of atleast one of the at least one mobile device, the at least one homedevice, or the at least one office device; circuitry configured forauthorizing at least an extent of pairing based at least partly on atleast one of a time of day or a physical location of at least one of theat least one mobile device, the at least one home device, or the atleast one office device; or circuitry configured for establishing atleast one secure communication channel between the at least one mobiledevice and the one or more of at least one home device or at least oneoffice device.
 27. A method comprising: detecting at least one durationof direct physical contact of at least one mobile device with one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device;determining, based at least on the detected at least one duration ofdirect physical contact of the at least one mobile device to the one ormore of at least one home device or at least one office device, whetherto effect pairing of the at least one mobile device and the one or moreof at least one home device or at least one office device; and pairingthe at least one mobile device and the one or more of at least one homedevice or at least one office device as a result of the determinationwhether to effect pairing of the at least one mobile device and the oneor more of at least one home device or at least one office device, thepairing including at least authenticating the pairing for securing atleast one communication channel between the at least one mobile deviceand the one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice.
 28. A system comprising: means for detecting at least oneduration of direct physical contact of at least one mobile device withone or more of at least one home device or at least one office device;means for determining, based at least on the detected at least oneduration of direct physical contact of the at least one mobile device tothe one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice, whether to effect pairing of the at least one mobile device andthe one or more of at least one home device or at least one officedevice; and means for pairing the at least one mobile device and the oneor more of at least one home device or at least one office device as aresult of the determination whether to effect pairing of the at leastone mobile device and the one or more of at least one home device or atleast one office device, the means for pairing including at least meansfor authenticating the pairing for securing at least one communicationchannel between the at least one mobile device and the one or more of atleast one home device or at least one office device.